
Class 
Book. 









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Copyright N° 



COPVfclGHT DEPOSIT. 



A Medieval Hun 

A Five Act Historical Drama 

By 
JOHN L. CARLETON 

Author of " THE CRIMSON WING," First Prize Winner 
Canadian Prize Play Competition, 1918 



" The fisherman of Galilee had triumphed over 
the conqueror of Pharsalia. The vassal oj 
Otto had reduced Otto's successor to vassalage. 
Sir James Stephen, K. C. B. 




THE CORNHILL COMPANY 

BOSTON 



x cyP 



Copyright, 1921 
THE CORNHILL COMPANY 



[All stage production and moving picture rights and the right 

of translation into foreign languages, including 

the Scandinavian, reserved,] 



§)C!.A622442 
M dS 1921 



CHARACTERS 

fcz 

Henry IV, King of Germany and Emperor of Rome. 

Guibert of Ravenna, antipope Clement III. 

Hubert, Archbishop of Bavaria. 

Otto, Baron of Nordheim. 

Raimond, his son. 

Harold, court jester. 

Godfrey, Count of Sudermann. 

Hermann, Archduke of Bremen. 

Felix Cosmos, self-described. 

Conrad, Margrave of Erichstedt. 

Anselm, Abbot of Limwenlock. 

Zither, of the King's Guard. 

Anhalt, henchman of Hermann. 

Cardinal Dolmino, a papal secretary. 

Chevalier Leopine, a papal courier. 

Pope Gregory VII, the Hildebrand. 

Bertha, Queen and Empress. 

Mildred, Princess of Bavaria. 

Clodel, a courtezan. 

Mary, a lady-in-waiting. 

Male and female retainers, courtiers, bishops, priests, 
monks, soldiers, buglers, standard bearers, pages, etc. 



SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 

PLACE: Germany and Italy TIME: 1075-77 

ACT I 
King's Palace at Goslar Love and Divorce 

ACT II 

Abbey of Limwenlock Death to Hildebrand 

ACT III 

Room in the Vatican The Hildebrand 

ACT IV 

Emperor's Pavilion on the Campania 

Farewell to Greatness 

ACT V 

Chateau of Canossa All Is Well 



A MEDIEVAHL HUN 



FOREWORD 

On April 22, 1073, the spontaneous and universal 
acclaim of a Roman populace raised the Archdeacon- 
Cardinal (sometime Monk) Hildebrand to the Papal 
throne. He assumed the title of Gregory VII. 

On January 28, 1077, took place an event without 
precedent and without repetition: Henry IV, the suc- 
cessor of Charlemagne, King of Germany and titular 
Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, in penitential 
habiliment and with compunct profession, at the chateau 
or castle of Conossa, made unreserved surrender of 
temporal power to spiritual supremacy, was absolved from 
the penalties attached to his delinquencies and permitted, 
subject to good behavior, to resume his regal functions. 

The intervening months, inclusive of the given dates, 
witnessed a human drama of world-wide import and 
lasting effect; a colossal epic of such intense power and 
thrilling interest as has never been surpassed, nor per- 
haps equalled, by the emanations of exuberant fancy. 
It was a brilliant and glowing mass of color — extrava- 
gant comedy and turgid tragedy — in a theatre of 
majestic pageantry and splendor. 

For this play that has been chosen as the time of 
action. The main incidents of the period, having regard 
to unities, have been freely used — more properly, 
adopted, adapted and paraphrased. The story — plot 
and development — is altogether fiction. So also are 
most of the characters — puppets of the imagination — 
hence, it is thought well to leave the conception and 
visualizing of them largely to the whim of the readr.e 

Five of them, however, are figures that have passed 



iv FOREWORD 

across the stage of historical activity and have left 
extant records of their doings. Of such, a few prepara- 
tory words — a key to their respective individualities — 
would seem to commend itself. 

S3 S3 S3 

The mental and moral make-up of King Henry was 
contradictory: much that was likeable was offset by 
that which was detestable. His most ardent champions 
are, perforce of fact, apologetic; his most censorious 
critics freely accede him gifts and distinctive qualities 
that might have won for him a lasting enviable fame: 
his name passed on to time as the Augustus and not, as 
it has, the Nero of the Middle Ages. Despite the abuses 
and irregularities of his life, he was popular with nobles 
and people alike; to a great extent their idol. In person 
he was handsome and his manner, when he wished it, 
charming; he was a daring and skillful leader, a sagacious 
adviser, a wary diplomat and fairly cultured. "A Teuton, 
with large limbs, blue eyes, flaxen hair" . . . "deep in 
counsel and remarkable sagacity." 

In 1075 he was in his twenty-fifth year. 

His treatment of his consort, making every allowance 
for a marriage of royal convenience, was unjustifiable; 
despicable without extenuation, as evidenced by his 
attempt to have her seduced by a confidential friend 
that he might prefer charges of infidelity against her. 

No one has ever claimed sincerity for his avowals of 
sorrow and repentance at Conossa. Some charge 
downright, premeditated, flagrant hypocrisy. That he 
was moved by attrition rather than contrition, is the 
best that can be said of it. He was remorseful for acts 
that had lost him patrimony, crown and dignity; he 



FOREWORD v 

wanted them back and for their recovery was prepared 
to submit to degradation and undergo any humiliation. 
It is more than probable that he was incredulous of 
church anathemas, still had a confused, superstitious 
dread of an indefinite Superior Being who might in um- 
brage thwart his effort. Such is the view here adopted. 

E3 S3 S3 

More than one historian refers to the Empress Bertha 
as amiable. The word seems aptly descriptive. The 
daughter of an Italian margrave, she had youth and 
beauty but not the dash that fascinates men of Henry's 
temperament. She was extremely pious and it helped 
further to estrange her from a husband whose inclina- 
tions ran wholly in an opposite direction — a kind of 
silent rebuke to conscious vice. But her attachment to 
him was real and lasting. "Amidst the otherwise universal 
desertion," wrote Sir James Stephen, "there remained 
one faithful bosom on which to repose his own aching 
keart. Bertha, his wife, who had retained her purity 
unsullied amidst the license of his court, now retained 
her fidelity unshaken amidst the falsehood of his ad- 
herents. Her wrongs had been such as to render a deep 
resentment nothing less than a duty. Her happiness 
and her home had been basely assailed by the selfish 
profligate to whom the most solemn vows had in vain 
united her. But to her, those vows were a bond stronger 
than death, and indissoluble by all the confederate powers 

of earth and hell." 

S3 S3 S3 

The seeker for material on which to base an estimate 
of the character of Pope Gregory meets with the zenith 
and nadir of opinion — an irreconcilable conflict. Per- 



vi FOREWORD 

sonal predilections unconsciously sway; and Gregory, 
the prolific subject of partizan zeal, is too often inter- 
preted by the color of the glasses through which he is 
seen: favorable or unfavorable to the system he repre- 
sented. Even Sir James Stephen's palpable effort at 
impartiality discloses inconsistencies, attributable, no 
doubt, to his own convictions being out of joint with 
those of "the greatest of ecclesiastical statesmen," as 
von Ranke styles Gregory. Nevertheless, Stephen's 
tribute to the genius that raised itself to its high vocation, 
and the debt succeeding generations owe to the triumph of 
mental over physical power, of literature over ignorance, 
of religion over debauchery, is not wanting — is even 
prodigal — in sincere admiration. 

"His was that rarest and grandest of gifts," says Sir 
James Bryce; "an intellectual courage and power of 
imaginative belief which, when it has convinced itself of 
aught, accepts it fully with all its consequences and 
shrinks not from acting at once upon it." 

" If I were not Napoleon I would wish to be Gregory VII," 
was the alternative preference of a self-confessed egotist. 

Whether Gregory was a scheming, insolent, bigoted 
churchman — "the incarnation of ecclesiastical despot- 
ism " — a paltry politician creating conditions favorable 
to personal advancement and power; or, whether he was 
the conscientious and lion-hearted reformer of the abuses 
of a corrupt age and the greatest vindicator of human 
freedom the world has ever had, are questions that per- 
tain to the province of the historian, not the dramatist. 

As Gregory is here introduced, he would be anywhere 
from 54 to 64 years of age — a doubt exists as to the 
exact date of his birth. In person, he was small, slight, 
gray-haired, full bearded and feeble. "The most Petrine 



FOREWORD vii 

of all the popes bore a striking resemblance to St. Paul," 
is the near-epigram of a present-day writer. His piercing 
eyes were his most striking physical feature: "from the 
terrible glance of whose countenance the eye of every 
beholder recoiled as from the lightning." 



Guibert, Archbishop of Ravenna and, by Henry's 
nomination, Pope (antipope) Clement III, was in every 
respect the very antithesis of his great protagonist. He 
was a patrician, closely allied to royalty. He owed the 
confirmation of his archiepiscopal dignity to the good 
offices of the Archdeacon Hildebrand. It is questionable 
whether his antagonism to the Pope was prompted by 
personal animosity or opposition to drastic reforms 
that did not meet his approval or coincide with his pro- 
pensities. In him Henry found a ready and pliant tool. 
It is fairly certain that he was the instigator of the 
Christmas eve outrage, when Cenci of the House of 
Tusculum invaded the church of Sta. Maria Maggiore, 
tore the pontificating Gregory from the altar, stripped 
him of vestments, wounded and made him prisoner. 

The ambitious Guibert was the product of a simple, ser- 
vile and ruthless age; when princes moved in an orbit of offi- 
cial sanctity; when might was right; when the disciples of 
Simon Magus held the temple and the noisy acclaim of 
Diana of the Ephesians drowned low- voiced hosannas to 

the Son of David. 

S3 S3 S3 

The age presents no finer type of layman than Baron 
Otto of Nordheim. Amid the surrounding sordidness 
his figure stands out picturesquely, refreshingly whole- 
some and aureoled in romance. Modest in victory, 



viii FOREWORD 

heroic in defeat, wise, daring and gifted with an eloquence 
of speech which, according to an American reviewer, 
"perhaps equals any effort of our own Patrick Henry." 

This extract from one of his addresses may be some 
index to his personality: 

"Perhaps you hesitate to break the oath you have 
taken to the king, because you are Christians! What! 
To the king! So long as he was king for me — so long as 
he showed himself such, I have scrupulously observed the 
oath I had taken; since he ceased to act like a king, I 
owe him fealty no longer. Courage then! We do not 
march against the king. No, but against the enemy of 
our liberty; against the enemy of our country!" 

JOHN L. CARLETON. 
" Cahirciveen " 

Woodstock, N. B., Canada. 
May 25, 1920 



ACT I 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 



ACT I 



WHITE MARBLE ROOM IN THE KING'S 
PALACE AT GOSLAR. A rotundo interior, full stage. 
At back, following curve of setting, a gallery, about two 
feet high and three feet wide, surmounted by a balustrade; 
steps lead up to it on both sides. Main arched entrances 
R. and L. at foot of the steps. At C., back, an alcove or 
bow-window backed by garden perspective. Doors R. C, 
L. C., R. and L. I. 

FURNITURE: Statuary, armor, a stone table down 
R. C. and a stone seat L. C. 

DISCOVERED: Raimond and Mildred standing in 
an affectionate attitude looking out of window at back; 
Harold lying in front of stone seat. 

HAROLD 

(Addressing his harlequin s wand) Methinks, my 
Merry- Andrew, the nose detects a change; the drought 
has lasted o'er long and peace is o'er ripe. 

MILDRED 

(As she wines down C. arm-in-arm with Raimond) Why 
the muteness — drawn blinds to keep out the sun? 

RAIMOND 

I am happy — so happy! 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 



MILDRED 



And must cheerfulness, perforce, become a recluse? 
Taciturnity is as nasty as the word. 

RAIMOND 

The topmost peak of ecstacy and the nethermost depth 
of despair are poles at which speech congeals and silence 
alone is eloquent. 

MILDRED 

{Buoyantly) Our happiness is a divine intoxication! 
Give it utterance, for it is the hour of exhileration's 
attainment. 

RAIMOND 

(Smilingly) And exultation's oppressiveness. 

HAROLD 

(As before) Bell and blossoms, cake and the cast of 
cast-off sandals! 

RAIMOND 

I envy no living mortal. To you I owe it all. Is there 
more to say? 

MILDRED 

I partake of it, therefore would hear of it. (Sobering) 
But the court — what of it when it learns that a maid 
has dared to choose for herself? 

RAIMOND 

There is naught to fear. My father comes today; he 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 5 

will be our mediator; a sufficient guarantee that all will 
be well. 

MILDRED 

(Seriously) I wish I were more worthy. I am afraid. 
This delight — half -love, half -fear! The sweet calm of a 
sunny present is so often the forerunner of angry ele- 
ments. If they should break upon and destroy, even 
confuse, our joyous madness? 

RAIMOND 

A feu de joie, my dear, announcing another daughter 
and potential mother in Nordheim. 

MILDRED 

Heaven send that I — there (laughs) I must not give 
way. . . . (Soberly) Truly, I am timorous. 

RAIMOND 

It is but the impost the Unknown levies on Perfect 
Bliss; the smiles of the future revenge it. 

HAROLD 

(Rising and ringing bells on wand) The Future is a 
wanton wedded to the Unknown. Despite the taint of 
many amours — perhaps, by reason of it — she begets; 
and the progeny, prolific and poisonous, is Apprehension. 

RAIMOND 

A stranger ! 



6 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

MILDRED 

The jester. 

HAROLD 

A fool who reaps honors and emoluments from the 
prodigality of fools. 

MILDRED 

Pretty conceit! But Harold, since you have heard, 
pray tell no tales. 

HAROLD 

Would you have my reputation for wisdom confounded? 

RAIMOND 

Short memories, you know, good jester — 

HAROLD 

Would leave me without an occupation. 

MILDRED 

(Places hand coaxingly on his shoulder) But for me — 

HAROLD 

Tut, tut, I am incorruptible. Even bribes as precious 
as the smiles of the most beautiful eyes at Goslar — 

MILDRED 

Flatterer! 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 7 

RAIMOND 

We are at your mercy. 

HAROLD 

My humor, you mean? 

MILDRED 

Harken, Harold — 

HAROLD 

Address your petitions to my little Andrew. He has a 
heart without a body to compass it. 

MILDRED 

Then, we are safe in his gleeful discretion. (Links 
Raimond's arm; they exit L.) 

HAROLD 

Youth, Andrew! Glorious youth with undefined palate 
and unimpaired stomach for the sweets of life! 

Enter guibert, R., followed by Godfrey, conrad and 

COURTIERS. 

GUIBERT 

Another suicide? 

GODFREY 

You have not been misinformed. 

GUIBERT 

Three within a fortnight ! Scandalous ! 



8 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

CONRAD 

Felix Cosmos calls it the gate of adventure opened by 
the hand of rashness. 

Enter felix, R. C, he is young, debonair and self- 
reliant. Comes slowly down stage. 

GUIBERT 

Who is this Cosmos? 

GODFREY 

Not easy to tell. None here really know. His creden- 
tials, it would appear, were unimpeachable. It is sus- 
pected he is in the service of the Papal Court. It would 
explain Hildebrand's certain knowledge of all we do. 

GUIBERT 

And the king tolerates? We must discover. 

FELIX 

Why let insignificance trespass on your consideration? 
You know almost as much about him as he does himself. 
Antecedents — mystery and desertion. If, like him of 
the bulrushes, he never had the favor of the daughter of 
Pharaoh, at least, like the olden prophet, he kens not 
whom to blame for ushering him into this unkempt, stupid 
world. 

GUIBERT 

(Disdainfully) Foundling! 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 9 

FELIX 

Some monks who discovered me — 

GODFREY 

(Superciliously) Illegitimate ! 

FELIX 

(Shrugs his shoulders) Better a brat than a braggart. 
In the first there is no choice. . . . 

HAROLD 

Prick your ears, Andrew ! 

FELIX 

Who knows but that the unfortunate who begot me 
wore the coronet of — well, say Sudermann? (Godfrey 
grasps his sword hilt) Nay, do not draw. I retract — 

GODFREY 

It's well! 

FELIX 

There is no Sudermann blood in me — 

OMNES 

(Derisively) Ah! 



10 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

FELIX 

— thank God ! (General consternation) 

HAROLD 

No novice plies that rapier tongue ! 

FELIX 

Apologies for the digression. The hospitable monks 
had, perforce, to give me a name. One claimed that I 
possessed the dark eyes of the Iberian; another that my 
complexion was as fair as the Norseman; still another — 
he was an old man — that I had the elusive charm of 
Hibernian women. Though how the good saint knew so 
much about Hibernian women — 

GUIBERT 

(Offensively) Offspring of some Bohemian crew! 

FELIX 

(Very sweetly) Perchance, your Grace, like the great 
Doctor of Hippo, had a worldly youth? (Consternation) 

HAROLD 

He, he! A young hawk soars high and twitters. 

GUIBERT 

And is impudent! 

HAROLD 

•', An over confident recklessness provocative of smiles, 
not anger. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 11 

FELIX 

In a kind of Graeco-Roman, catch-as-catch-can, they 
dubbed me Felix, after the lay brother who kindly suc- 
cored, and Cosmos — well, I suppose, because it covers 
any country, any race, and, like charity, a multitude of 
sins. 

GUIBERT 

(Sarcastically) A credit you are to your benefactors ! 

FELIX 

(Innocently) I hope they share your high approval. 

GODFREY 

Insolent ! 

FELIX 

I am very adaptable; the customs and vernacular of 
my — 

GUIBERT 

You justify suicide? 

FELIX 

Why not? It is the logic of a Roman Senate's de- 
thronement of Jove. 

GUIBERT 

Paganism i 

FELIX 

Then destroy the golden calf. 



12 A MEDIEVAL HUN 



GODFREY 



Heed him not. His courage is all in his tongue. He is 
even afraid of his purse; refuses the game, shows a white 
feather — 



FELIX 



To gamblers? Harpies who snare with the bird-lime of 
deceit, deify thievery and call it honor, knaves whose 
opulence is wrung from misfortune? Yes. 

GODFREY 

Heavens ! Is that why you declined — 

FELIX 

I occasionally play for amusement and the study of 
character. It may be unnecessary. The obvious does 
not intrigue. 

GODFREY 

(Losing temper) For the aspersion you shall make 
amend ! 

FELTX 

How does dignity appraise it — what's the inter- 
pretation? 

GODFREY 

(Passionately) I demand satisfaction! 

FELIX 

Declined, with thanks. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 13 

CONRAD 

The same flippant rejoinder you made to my — 

FELIX 

I had no desire, my dear Margrave, to assume the 
responsibility of the support of your widow and orphans. 

GUIBERT 

Coward's solace ! 

FELLX 

Your Grace wears a cincture, not a bandoleer. 

OMNES 

{Jeers of derision.) 

GUIBERT 

The applause for which you bid! 

FELIX 

Large game do not dread a noisy stalker. 

GODFREY 

Hares run at the bark of the beagle ! 

FELLX 

A dog that yelps but does not fight. 



14 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

GODFREY 

There are — 

FELIX 

(Smiling) Others? Of course; terriers, for instance. 

OMNES 

Deeds ! Enough of words ! 

GODFREY 

Now then, satisfaction to me, or for you ignoble exile ! 

FELIX 

(With light laughter) I nibble not the bait. 

GODFREY 

Craven, milksop — 

FELIX 

I swallow it so the barbed prongs of the hook sink 
deep into my vitals. Here, gentlemen, or without, do I 
condescend (drawn sword. Godfrey does same) to try 
the skill and test the wrist of your champion, noble God- 
frey of Sudermann! 

OMNES 

Hear him! 'Tis well! 

FELIX 

And Count, I promise — not to kill you Conn 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 15 

OMNES 



Hist — the King 



Enter henry, R., in great passion, throws a parch- 
ment roll he is carrying on table. 

God preserve our Liege Lord ! (Felix and Godfrey hastily 
put up swords.) 

HENRY 

Read! Read, if it blast not the sight! 

GUIBERT 

(Picks up roll; others gather about him) Refuses to re- 
open the question of your marriage? 

OMNES 

Incredible ! 

HENRY 

Treats our person with contempt; prates of the rights 
of women as if they were men's equals; reminds us of the 
careful investigation of Peter Damiani and the prayerful 
consideration of "our saintly predecessor"; indulges in 
sanctimonious cant! We start for Rome today. Our 
august person may be more potent than the reasoning of 
our Cardinal-Advocate. There is conviction in glitter- 
ing cohorts. Hildebrand may be pope; we are King 
and Emperor ! To our closet and devise means to rebuke 
pretension and remove the false monk who usurps the 
throne of Peter. (Exits R. 1, followed by all except Harold 
and Felix.) 



16 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

HAROLD 

(X's to door and stops. To Felix) Our young cock- 
sparrow fledgling — 

FELIX 

Eh? 

HAROLD 

Yes, you ! — seems to be in a hurry for a funeral oration. 

FELIX 

Have I indicated such aberration? 

HAROLD 

You have kissed the headsman's axe. (Returns to C.) 
Whether you enjoy the nice things uttered over your 
decapitated clay depends, if I understand theologians 
aright, on climatic conditions. 

FELIX 

Let's hope they'll be temperate. 

HAROLD 

You mouthed like a common street-brawler. 

FELIX 

(Laughs) Only a mental suggestion always unnerving 
to arrant cowardice. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 17 

HAROLD 

But of yourself? 

FELIX 

I can handle a sword. 

HAROLD 

You are an enigma who gallantly and stupidly courts 
catastrophe. Is it true, as they assert, you are a Roman 
spy? 

FELIX 

Do I look it? 

HAROLD 

How am I to — No, your gaze is too clear and steady. 

FELIX 

Then throw your cap and bells to the fools who should 
sport them! 

HAROLD 

Still, I may be deceived. 

FELIX 

My absence from yonder conference, my indifference to 
its proceedings . . . 

HAROLD 

I have considered that. . . . The King, I am afraid, 



18 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

will do something rash — something he'll regret. It 
bodes ill for the Pope. 

FELIX 

Hildebrand will make his enemies his footstool! 

HAROLD 

He's an upstart — the son of a carpenter of Soana ! 

FELIX 

Fitting to be the vicar of the Son of the Carpenter of 
Nazareth. He may fail in his exalted mission; but if 
high ideal, indomitable courage and unflinching fearless- 
ness are qualities that prevail, he will leave a gigantic 
imprint on the history of mankind. 



HAROLD 

Still, if he — 

Enter mary, L., carrying cut flowers. 



FELIX 

The Mistress Mary! 

MARY 

{Modestly) Greetings to the gentlemen ! 

HAROLD 

I must lend an ear to what goes on. (X's and exits 
R. 1.) 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 19 



MARY 



Accept a bloom. (Hands Felix a flower which he takes, 
smells and lightly kisses.) 

FELIX 

Delicious ! 

MARY 

(Graciously) A delicate compliment from one indifferent 
to our sex. 

FELIX 

I am not so perjured. 

MARY 

Report does thee ill; it is spoken at court. 

FELIX 

If the court only prayed with the regularity and devo- 
tion it gossips! 

MARY 

It was openly pronounced by the stately — but there, 
I must not disclose — 

FELIX 

Clodel! See how accurately I finish it! I confess to 
a want of appreciation of her charms that may — it was 
rude, I admit — have revealed itself in a decided prefer- 
ence for others. My reputation grows apace! 



20 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

MARY 

It compares favorably with many. 

FELIX 

Sweet drink well dashed with wormwood! How like 
you your new surroundings? 

MARY 

There is freedom and yet much restraint. 

FELIX 

Good tonics in proper season and mild doses. 

MARY 

The men are forward : their jests are coarse and — 

FELIX 

Not nursed in honesty? 

MARY 

The women terrify. My mother would drop of shame 
heard she the stories they relate. 

FELIX 

Old-fashioned ideas, eh? Crimson banners of modesty 
and all that sort of thing? 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 21 

MARY 

I wish I had not come; or, in truth, been sent. I am 
happier in valleys where brooks sing, in woods where 
winds whisper, on the top of ancient hills where heaven 
and the angels are so near. 

FELIX 

Arcady! Song, music and all the superlative har- 
monies ! 

MARY 

My dreams deceived. They visualized armored knights 
— champions of the weak; beautiful women — inspirers 
of lofty sentiment and act. The reality : jealous recrimina- 
tion, stinging venom and artificial heroics for idle days. 

FELIX 

Not forgetting a pulchritude that owes its freshness and 
fairness to the toilet jar. 

MARY 

Charlemagne's sword is sheathed and venerated as a 
relic, Otto's deeds remembered only by students. The 
past glory of Franconia lies in an attic of oblivion within 
a casket of dust. 

FELIX 

Romance flees contagion that kills. When the glance 
of a woman's eye prompts not courage, when innocence 
appeals in vain to princely integrity, when chivalry turns 
a deaf ear to the orphan's cry, then you must look for 
valor in a china shop and seek poetry in a Turkish bazaar. 



22 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

MARY 

I'll not believe that beauty and truth ever perish. 
The scene, actors and situation may change but the 
play goes on. 

FELIX 

In a transformed, perhaps modified, form. The Sermon 
on the Mount is an eternal verity ; the fortitude of poverty 
has no historian, the bravery of the lowly no herald. 

MARY 

If a chosen priesthood desert the temple, humbler and 
holier hands will be found to trim the sanctuary lamp. 

FELIX 

All of which leads to — 

MARY 

The Queen. 

FELLX 

She has heard? 

MARY 

Yes, and in her perfect love for Henry pities him. 
But where are the arms that should shield her from dis- 
grace and foul desertion? 

FELIX 

Shining in their leather surtouts — weapons are now 
fashionable only in pastime. His Majesty, I know, jj is 
delighted; so delighted that he thinks the burden of 
office too onorous for Gregory's years. 



4 MEDIEVAL HUN 23 



MARY 

Clodel — 

FELIX 

Has the favorite's fear and wanton's alarm! 



MARY 

Curses, weeps and swears she'll die of a broken heart. 

FELIX 

That's a malady fatal to wives, never courtezans. 
Clodel need be in no haste to order her shroud. 

MARY 

Her Majesty is too good for her deceitful husband. 

FELIX 

Beware — LESE MAJESTE! 

MARY 

What is that? 

FELIX 

The unpardonable crime of telling the truth about 
kings. 

MARY 



Oh, I wish I were a man! 



FELIX 



Thank heaven, you're not. So, they called me a woman 
hater? (Tenderly) Mary — what a lovely name! — there 



24 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

is one of the sex I could admire. (Puts arm about her) 
I will tell you of her. (Leads her off R.) 

Enter henry, guibert, harold, Godfrey, conrad 
and courtiers, R. 1. 

henry 

Conrad, to you we assign the duty of making ready. 
(Exit Conrad, R.) To you Count, the accompanying 
army. (Exit Godfrey, L.) Gentlemen, to you the several 
things that pertain to our comfort. (Harold and Courtiers 
exit in different directions) Guibert, for you we see a 
tiara. 

guibert 

(Bowing low) I am most unworthy — 

henry 

(Playfully) Say not so. We are well acquainted with 
your obvious and ill-disguised er — modesty and morality. 
(Sternly) Hildebrand must be taught that the power 
which makes can unmake. Such is ours by prescription 
and the oath of John. . . . See that the dilatory habits of 
your cloth delay us not. Among the many priceless 
treasures buried at the foot of the rainbow is the priestly 
virtue of punctuality. 

GUIBERT 

Oh, Sire — 

HENRY 

I have little doubt that the stupendous gravity of 
Judgment Day proceedings will be irreverently inter- 
rupted by many straggling, belated churchmen. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 25 



GUIBERT 

Your Majesty deigns to be facetious. 

HENRY 

Conformity to fact is the saving grace of lampoonery; 
otherwise, it is clumsy malice. Begone! 

GUIBERT 

{Bowing himself off R.) You have but to command. 
Enter bertha, L. 

HENRY 

My beloved is most opportune. 

BERTHA 

(Timidly) Heard you from the Vatican? 

HENRY 

By the same courier dispatched to you. 

BERTHA 

And you are not disappointed — angry? 

HENRY 

(Dissembling) On the contrary, I am pleased beyond 
measure. 

BERTHA 

Thank God, thank God! 



26 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

HENRY 

He finds no canonical impediments. 

BERTHA 

None ever really existed. 

HENRY 

To be sure. Ah, it removes a heavy burden from my 
soul! 

BERTHA 

It gives to me my husband! (Throws herself into his 
arms.) 

HENRY 

I am yours 'till death. But, pray, be not so over- 
whelmed, so demonstrative. 

BERTHA 

Say you love me. My ears long for the jubilant words. 

HENRY 

I do. Now more than ever. 

BERTHA 

My wounded heart heals 'neath the unguent of your 
graciousness — it anoints with the chrism of blessedness! 

HENRY 

You thought me harsh. I was not. I was just — just 
to you, to myself. A conflict between love and duty. My 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 27 

passion for you was consuming; but conscience, like 
vermin in a warrior's bed, pricked and disturbed repose. 
I was overscrupulous : I was wrong — I know it now. 
Still, believe me, it had all the stalking terror of a ghostly 
phantom. 

BERTHA 

It is gone, my loved one — gone ! The Great White 
Father of Christendom has spoken and evil flies the 
exorcist. 

HENRY 

To the limbo of forgetfulness I consign it. 

BERTHA 

Oh, if man but knew the ever-aching ecstatic bliss of 
woman's love! Its depth unplummable, its height im- 
measurable, its circumference the horizon. It is blind to 
shortcomings, but has eyes that magnify nobleness; it 
brooks no rival for it is jealous of its possession; to the 
giver and receiver it is a benediction — or a curse. There 
is nothing it will not do, dare and suffer for its adored; 
encouraged, its feebleness ripens into omnipotence; 
scorned, it has no asylum but the grave! Henry, if you 
need sacrifice, my absence, my life — speak, speak your 
will! 

HENRY 

I would have you grace that which you adorn. To the 
nation, Queen and Empress; to me, companion and con- 
soler. . . . Make speed to travel. I am sending you 
to Mayence, where shortly I join you. There, with 
solemn Te Deum, we will renew our troth and proclaim 
our unbreakable, immutable fidelity. 



28 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

BERTHA 

Do not tarry. I shall count the hours. 

CLODEL 

(From without) H-e-n-r-y! (The affected drawl of famili- 
arity) Where are you, Henry? 

BERTHA 

(Agitated) Oh, and in this supreme hour! 

Enter clodel, R.; she talks and acts with a confidence 
begotten of intimacy; she is sly, vindictive and shows a 
veneered coarseness. 

HENRY 

(Annoyed at the interruption) Ah! 

CLODEL 

Is it true, Henry, we leave — 

HENRY 

(Motioning her to retire) Withdraw a moment. 

BERTHA 

What does the woman mean? 

HENRY 

I don't know; too much wine, perhaps. 

BERTHA 

And a presumption liquor dare not prompt! 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 29 

HENRY 

Hereafter, I'll explain. 

BERTHA 

Explain now! She calls you by a name sacred to my 
lips. Why does she insult us with her presence? 

CLODEL 

(Ironically) A thousand pardons. I did not observe 
Your Majesty. 

BERTHA 

(Regally) Sufficient! Retire! 

CLODEL 

(Vindictively satiric) Your Majesty, I trust, has quite 
recovered? Choice intelligence, I hear, has come from 
Rome. 

BERTHA 

Enough ! You are dismissed. 

CLODEL 

(To Henry) When does the cortege start? 

HENRY 

I will send for you — 

CLODEL 

I would know, so that — 



30 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

BERTHA 

(Dignified) Command that woman to retire! 

HENRY 

She is of my train — 

BERTHA 

But not of mine. 

HENRY 

— attached to our person. 

BERTHA 

So she seems. 

CLODEL 

(Sweetly) Her Majesty appears to be indisposed. Per- 
chance no message came, or I was ill informed of its tenor. 

BERTHA 

Husband, spare me this humiliation. 

HENRY 

(To Clodel) Hence, for a moment. 

CLODEL 

(As before) I can sympathize, for I know the mortifica- 
tion of disappointed anticipation. 

BERTHA 

I'll not submit ! Insult ! Ridicule ! A butt — diver- 
sion for the sarcasm of a harlot! 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 31 

HENRY 

(Appealingly) For heaven's sake — 

CLODEL 

(Indignantly) Madam, you forget yourself ! 

HENRY 

(Sternly) Desist! Go! 

CLODEL 

Queen or no queen, she shall not traduce nor question 
my virtue! 

BERTHA 

Am I the queen? 

HENRY 

(Despairfully) Harrass me not with such questions. 
Great heavens ! What vexations ! 

CLODEL 

(In a rage) She may be Queen — in name ! A crown 
may exalt the commonest clay, but it confers no license 
to defame — no patent of superiority on the daughter of 
an impecunious Italian margrave! 

BERTHA 

(Goes to L.) Guard ! 

CLODEL 

Upstart! Mushroom! 
Enter zither, L. 

BERTHA 

(To him) Remove that woman! 



32 A MEDIEVAL HUX 

CLODEL 

Henry, you will not suffer — 

HENRY 

Go, go, go-o! 

CLODEL 

Not until I — 

BERTHA 

(To Zither) Obey orders. 

HENRY 

(To Bertha) Madam, remember — 

BERTHA 

I am queen. I do. Remove at once that — 

HENRY 

(Links ClodeVs arm) Allow me. (Escorts her to R. and 
bows her out. Exit Zither, L. To Bertha) Have you no 
thought for my position? 

BERTHA 

Aye, and for my own. (Drops into seat weeping.) 

HENRY 

There, there, no tears! State affairs give her counti 
nance. Her family is large, influential — 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 33 

BERTHA 

And has the might of empire to bow to the house of 
the White-necked Wolf? Is it seemly to pander to 
licentiousness? 

HENRY 

Be reasonable! 

BERTHA 

Be king! Let the throne be an example to the people 
of domestic felicity; let me be its humblest devotee. 



HENRY 

(Raising her up) It shall be so. (Kisses her) My tribute 
to your supremacy. Hence for the journey. (Leads her 
to L. and bows her out.) 

Enter Godfrey, R. 

(Laughing) Ha, ha, ha! Count, a narrow margin! 
The fox nearly left his tail in the trap. My lady has a 
sweet, pretty temper distinctively and peculiarly her 
own. She never heard the Eastern saying: Kings must 
have secrets — even from their wives. 

GODFREY 

An intricate problem on which my advice is valueless. 

HENRY 

Listen to me. I would entrust you with a great confi- 
dence. I know I can place every reliance in you. 



34 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

GODFREY 

You require no voucher for my fidelity. 

HENRY 

True. The Queen starts immediately for Mayence 
accompanied by an officer and twenty men. 

Enter Hubert, reading breviary, L. C; remains on 
gallery. 

GODFREY 

The number is small. 

HENRY 

Ample. When they reach the banks of the Shelva the 
party must be attacked. In the dark and in the con- 
fusion — well, the bridge is narrow and the waters swift. 
Should the Queen make a misstep. . . . 

GODFREY 

Majesty — I — I — 

HENRY 

Heartless, you would say. And so it seems. Do not, 
however, quickly condemn or blame too much. As in- 
fants, Bertha and I were betrothed. As children, we 
were married. Our wishes were not consulted. Our 
parents, not we, were the high-contracting parties. She 
loves me, I admit. It is not and never has been re- 
ciprocal. Distaste has fruited into dislike — aversion, 
abhorrence. I detest her superior virtues; her clinging, 
cringing worship, the incense of prayer and the odor of 
sanctity — oh, it frays the raw edges of the nerves! 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 33 

GODFREY 

Are there not other, less drastic means? 

HENRY 

To Pope Alexander I appealed for an anullment of the 
union. Grounds: We were related within the forbidden 
degrees and there was no dispensation of the impediment; 
the ceremony wanted in canonical requisites; the marriage 
was never consummated. Alexander sent Peter Damiani, 
an ascetic devoid of blood and with marrow chilled in 
some Polish well-spring, to investigate. He found all 
issues against us. Hildebrand, as you are aware, is not 
more pliant. I must be freed from such hateful consort. 
There may be other but this is the swiftest and surest 
way. An accident — the will of Heaven — the inscru- 
table design of Providence! My person, my throne, my 
succession, must no longer suffer. Is it not sufficient 
justification? 

GODFREY 

Sire, in all things I am your loyal and, I hope, discreet 
servant. 

During the foregoing Hubert's face expresses wonder, 
horror, loathing. He gradually backs to door L. C, 
exits and partly closes it. 

HENRY 

Good! 

GODFREY 

Who heads the twenty? 



36 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

HENRY 

For you to name. 

GODFREY 

Felix Cosmos. 

HENRY 

An inconsequential, amusing fellow; I would not have 
him killed. 

GODFREY 

Your enemy. 

HENRY 

Out-on-you ! 

GODFREY 

Sent by Hildebrand to spy. 

HENRY 

You are sure? 

GODFREY 

I know the secret channels by which your many 
meritorious deeds — 

HENRY 

(Cynically) Eh? 

GODFREY 

— are ripened into rottenness on their way to Rome. 

HENRY 

(Savagely) Speak you the truth? 

GODFREY 

It is my witness ! 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 37 

HENRY 

Let us seek him. He will be honored to receive at our 
hands — his death warrant. 

GODFREY 

Dare I mention reward? 

HENRY 

Has our gratitude ever needed a spur? 

GODFREY 

My request is so excessive as — 

HENRY 

Saving our crown and revenues, it is yours for the asking. 

GODFREY 

I would marry — 

HENRY 

And regret it? Fie! 

GODFREY 

— the Princess Mildred of Bavaria. 

HENRY 

(Hesitation) Oh! 

GODFREY 

It is not cupidity that prompts the desire, though of 
late I've been necessitous. Her fortune, great as it is, 
does not match her beauty. 



38 A MEDIEVAL HUN 



HENRY 



Our rewards do not tarry or service age in expectancy. 
To friend and foe alike is this true. By the plague you 
shall have the plague ! The wench is yours. 



GODFREY 



She is somewhat gracious to the suit of Raimond of 
Nordheim. 

HENRY 

Ah, that's bad. . . . Nordheim is powerful and occa- 
sionally disturbing. However, I am ignorant of her 
intentions; I have not been approached on the subject; 
we act in good faith. Let the lady's day dream live! in 
memory; otherwise, she is yours. (Exeunt R. 1.) 

Enter Hubert, L. C, and otto, R. 

HUBERT 

Never sight more welcome to my fading eyes. 

OTTO 

(Takes his hand) Why this agitation? You shiver 
as if von had seen a Gargantuan apparition. 

HUBERT 

I have listened to satanic speech. It projects the 
Queen s death. 

OTTO 

(Kindly) My lord, pardon, you're in your dotage. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 39 

HUBERT 

Would that I were! Hearken to assassination by a 
king contrived: Bertha leaves for Mayence to be am- 
bushed at the Shelva, her retainers killed and she cast into 
the waters. 

OTTO 

Who told this incredible tale? 

X 

HUBERT 

Ears listened and were not deceived — mine own ! 
Godfrey of Sudermann has the warrant. 

OTTO 

Who leads the guard? 

HUBERT 

Felix Cosmos. 

OTTO 

To me, a stranger. 

HUBERT 

Overbold, and, if I do not misjudge, with circumspec- 
tion not well seasoned. Here he is. 

Enter felix, R. 

ottc 
(To him) Felix Cosmos? 

FELl 

Sir, the advantage is yours. 

OTTO 

Baron Otto of Nordheim. 



40 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

FELIX 

The honor is mine. 

OTTO 

You attend her Majesty to Mayence? 

FELTX 

The distinction has been done me. 

OTTO 

A plot has been hatched to destroy the Queen. You 
and your companions are to be ambushed and murdered. 

FELIX 

Pleasant! Being forewarned — 

HUBERT 

Useless! Your men-at-arms are not to be depended on 
— likely prison scamps and rogues who think they are 
purchasing liberty by donning the King's livery; instead, 
they go to execution. I know, I heard the deviltry. 

FELIX 

Inspired by — 

HUBERT 

The King, and entrusted to CounttGodfrey. 

FELIX 

A fitting instrument! It is serious. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 41 

OTTO 

With our wits we must circumvent. 

FELIX 

Oh, if I had — I know a man worth twenty — sur- 
passing in prowess — 

OTTO 

There was one such: the captain of the guard who 
with provoking ease disarmed four of us at the tourney 
two decades ago. He is dead. 

FELIX 

The same. And he lives. I am a pupil and disciple of 
his. He is now a monk — a monk who figuratively carries 
a sword under a cassock: Anselm, Abbot of Limwenlock. 

Enter raimond, L., stands back. 

OTTO 

Heaven be praised! Is he far from us? 

FELIX 

Some leagues, but not too many if I had a trusty, 
determined — 

RAIMOND 

(Stepping forward) Is it an adventure worthy of 
Nordheim? 

otto, felix and Hubert, simultaneously: 
It is. 



42 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

RAIMOND 

Then, who more reliable than Otto's son? 

FELIX 

None. Come, we will enlighten you. (Exits with Red- 
mond and Otto, L. 1) 

Enter bertha, mildred, mary and maids, L. 
Enter henry, Godfrey, conrad and courtiers, R. 

bertha 
Husband, I am ready. 

HENRY 

It is well. Your suite does not accompany you. I am 
sorry, but the time at our disposal did not permit of 
making provision for it. They remain to follow with us. 

BERTHA 

Your will is my pleasure. 

HENRY 

The inconvenience will be trifling. Farewell. 

BERTHA 

Good-by, loved one. Make haste. The hours will have 
laggard's feet until we meet. Hurry to my impatience. 
(Throws herself into his arnut) 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 43 

HENRY 

Peace be with you! (Kisses her; they part; he turns to 
Mildred) Princess, accept the assurance of our estimation. 

MILDRED 

(Courtesying) Your Majesty is ever gracious. 

HENRY 

We would give further evidence of our interest in you. 

MILDRED 

You are exceedingly kind. 

HENRY 

We have chosen for you a husband. 

MILDRED 

(Surprise and perplexed apprehension) Oh, Sire! 

HENRY 

One of title and worth. 

MILDRED 

I — I — 

HENRY 

Hither, Godfrey Count of Sudermann, salute your 
affianced. 

MILDRED 

Good God! No, no, I am promised to another! 



44 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

HENRY 

Regrettable. We were not consulted. The ladies of 
the court, you should have remembered, have no will but 
the King's, no ambition but to please him, no pleasure 
but in obedience. 

BERTHA 

Henry, what is it you do? 

HENRY 

Promote the happiness of two subjects very dear to me. 

MILDRED 

I cannot — cannot — 

BERTHA 

Can there be happiness where — 

HENRY 

Silence ! 

MILDRED 

(Passionate defiance) Never ! I will not submit ! 

HENRY 

Eh, no? Consider — well, we overlook the breach; it 
is the first occasion we ever heard the words. 

GODFREY 

I accept this indication of your Majesty's approval 
with pride. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 45 

MILDRED 

(Drops on knee and clutches Bertha's shirt) Gracious 
Mistress, by my years of devoted service, by your own 
holy love — 

BERTHA 

(Raises and kisses her) Child, I am powerless. 

MILDRED 

(Drops on both knees) God in heaven, pity and protect 
me! Mother of the Most High, look upon your daughter 
and make intercession for her; all ye Holy Angels and 
Saints intercede for me! (Turns to Hubert) Hubert, 
Lord Bishop, guardian who has been all that a father 
could be, do not desert me in my extremity ! 

HUBERT 

(Diffidently) She is my ward. I protest — I — 

HENRY 

(Catches him by wrist and drags him forward) Consent! 



HUBERT 

I cannot — I — 

HENRY 

Consent ! 

HUBERT 

I — I — consent. 



46 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

MILDRED 

Lost ! All is lost ! Take me hence — my limbs are — 
are powerless — I — I — I'm dying — cannot see — 
(Swoons and drops on floor) 

From without L. is heard a fanfare of trumpets, sound 
of steel on steel, tramping horses, etc. 

HENRY 

(Goes L. and calls off, cynically) Summon the leech! 
Our goodness has overpowered a lady. 

CURTAIN 



ACT II 



ACT II 

LIMWENLOCK ABBEY. Garden exterior, full stage. 
The building is set at back; five or six stone steps lead up to 
its main entrance. Table and benches R. and L. C. 

CURTAIN to the ringing of a bell, like Angelus' Bell. 

DISCOVERED: Anselm standing at top of steps in 
meditation. Makes sign of the cross as bell stops. 

Enter mildred, L., in haste, spent and distressed; 
staggers to her knees at foot of steps. 

MILDRED 

Sanctuary ! Sanctuary ! 

ANSELM 

Surely, my child. (Comes down and raises her) It is 
for all who reach Limwenlock's consecrated ground. 

MILDRED 

My gratitude is — is boundless. 

ANSELM 

From whom do you flee? 

MILDRED 

The King's men. 



50 \ MEDIEVAL HUN 

ANSELM 

What law have you transgressed? 

MILDRED 

None ordained of God. 

ANSELM 

But the crime? 

MILDRED 

Love. 

ANSELM 

(Shrugging shoulders) It's a wound for which, I fear, 
no salve may be found here. You do not look criminal. 

MILDRED 

I am not criminal. Listen to me, father. I am the 
Princess Mildred of Bavaria, lady-in-waiting to Our Lady, 
the Queen. 

ANSELM 

(Thoughtfully) Surprises multiply! 

MILDRED 

I love Raimond of Nordheim; he loves me; we are 
pledged each to the other. The King disapproves — is 
incensed; forbids the troth and commands me to marry 
his favorite, the hateful Count Godfrey of Sudermann. 

ANSELM 

So, so, — ah, yes: two and two — does it make four? 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 51 



MILDRED 



I was a virtual prisoner under the espionage of Henry's 
mis — I cannot say the distasteful word. 

ANSELM 

I understand. 

MILDRED 

— subject to her obnoxious presence and many im- 
portunities. Last night, in the dark, with nothing to 
guide, I fled the camp. I travelled the long hours through, 
by road, by field, in woods. Hungry, weary, footsore 
and heart-broken, I crave shelter. 

ANSELM 

You shall have it. (As he leads her up abbey steps) 
Your immediate want is refreshment and rest. (She 
goes within; he remains at door) 

Enter zither, L. and anhalt, who is short of stature, 
R.; both stutter and each is unaware of the other's 
impediment. 

zither and anhalt announce simultaneously 
P-p-pre-p-pare — 

DITTO 

W-w-whom d-d-do you m-m-mock? 

zither 

Z-z-zounds, I-I'll make splin-n-nters of y-y-your p-p- 
pate! 



52 A MEDIEVAL HI IN 

ANHALT 

D-d-dog of D-d-danube, 1-1*11 — 

ANSELM 

Peace! What roysterers' wrangle disturbs our holy 
calm? 

zither and anhalt, simultaneously 

H-h-he r-r-rid — H-h-hear him ! 

ANSELM 

Stay, do you stutter? 

zither and anhalt, simultaneously 
MI do. 

ANSELM 

You both have the same affliction. 

zither and anhalt, simultaneously 
0-o-oh! 

ANSELM 

One at a time. (To Anhalt) What woulds't thou? 

ANHALT 

An-n-n-nounce the c-c-coming of m-my m-m-m-master 
H-h-hermann, Ar-r-rchduke of B-b-brenuii. 

ZITHER 

(Laughs sarcastically) Ha, ha, ha! 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 53 

ANSELM 

(To Zither) And you? 

ZITHER 

T-t-to or-r-r-rder — 

ANHALT 

(Contemptuously) Or-r-r-rder ! 

ZITHER 

— ev-v-v-very thing m-made r-r-ready for the re-e-e- 
ception of my m-m-m-master Henry, k-k-king and emp-p- 
peror ! 

ANHALT 

(Chagrined) 0-0h! 

ANSELM 

Our dutiful greetings to both. Depart! (Goes up and 
exits into abbey) 

ZITHER 

(At L.) R-r-runt! (Exits L.) 

ANHALT 

(At R.) Gra-a-a-aceful gir-r-r-affe ! (Exits R.) 
Enter otto and raimond, R. 

RAIMOND 

The camp was so guarded I could not approach. 

otto 

I know it is easy to advise and hard to follow. But you 
must exercise more patience. 



54 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

RAIMOND 

Father, do not say so! There is the demand of duty 
and the call of blood. The shepherd is not sleeping when 
the wolf is abroad ; the spoiler's cry is the clarion of the 
warrior; must the countenance pale and the heart petrify 
when treachery and concupiscence flout decency? Shall 
manhood be traitor when virtue sues protection and 
purity shrinks the defilement of glutton lust? No, no, 
never, never! 

OTTO 

The danger is not imminent. All is not lost. Henry 
may still be amenable to reason. Precipitancy oft thwarts 
the best design. 

RAIMOND 

But my loved one! And you say I must be idle! It 
is not natural, not human — Oh, I cannot, cannot! 
Action! Virtue, honor, happiness demand it! 

OTTO 

That approaches of which you know little. It is silent, 
but it comes nevertheless. It is justice, and it often 
assumes the appalling shape of red terror. 

RAIMOND 

And while we await its tardiness — 

OTTO 

It can be long-suffering in its labor; nevertheless, it is 
wiser not to force the birth. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 55 



RAIMOND 



I am young, human, the warmest of warm blood 
courses madly in my veins ! My peace has been destroyed, 
my hope crushed; my love — the very light of my exist- 
ence — suffers wrongs atrocious to heaven — God, the 
very thought unseats reason! (Drops into seat at table R.) 

OTTO 

I suffer with you; but be guided by me — do nothing 
without consulting me. (Exits into abbey) 

Enter Godfrey, L. 

GODFREY 

(Superciliously) Self -communing! Pleasant or unpleasant 
retrospection? 

RAIMOND 

(Jumps up and draws sword) You? Heaven has sent 
you. Draw! 

GODFREY 



Young valor waxes into extravagance. 



RAIMOND 



It is a moment pregnant with more than flippant jest; 
soon your lips shall cease to form them. Draw! 



GODFREY 

If I refuse? 

RAIMOND 



Nonetheless, in dastard heart will virgin steel be sullied I 



56 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

GODFREY 

, Heroics! (Advances towards him) Strike! 

RAIMOND 

(Drops sword point to ground) A coward's ruse to 
evade punishment! Poltroon, craven, whelp, I spit 
upon the spawn — 

GODFREY 

(Draws) And with mongrel's tongue lick it up! (They 
cross swords and fight fiercely. After many passes, Otto 
enters from Abbey, draws sword and comes down; throws 
up their weapons with his. Both contestants are breathing 
hard) 

OTTO 



Stop! 

To one side, father! 

No! 

Is this fair? 

Enough ! 



RAIMOND 



OTTO 



GODFREY 



OTTO 



RAIMOND 

For the honor of Nordheim? 

OTTO 

No! 

RAIMOND 

For Mildred? 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 57 

OTTO 



A thousand times, no ! 

GODFREY 



(Scornfully puts up sword) The paternal solicitude of 
Nordheim but postpones the day. 

RAIMOND 

Fear not, it will come! 

GODFREY 

The sooner — 

OTTO 

Cease ! When more than a half century and the scars of 
innumerable campaigns have calmed the passions of 
youth, tranquilized and mellowed the outlook, experience 
will quench vanity and courage be deaf to all entreaties 
not evoked by patriotism or affronted equity. 

GODFREY 

Sententious and — hardly convincing. Adieu. (Exits L.) 

OTTO 

(Sheaths sword) Needless to say, I am not pleased. 

RAIMOND 

(Sheathing sword) What would you have me do? 

OTTO 

Keep your head out of the lion's mouth. Had you 
killed him — 



58 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

RAIMOND 

Mildred would have been free. 

OTTO 

But not for your arms. Death would have been your 
bride. 

RAIMOND 

What of it if it had rid the earth — 

OTTO 

Raimond, child of my most tender concern, time 
advances, soon must my lance rest and shield hang — 

RAIMOND 

Distant be the day ! 

OTTO 

In no far future, your legacy — the burden and re- 
sponsibility of Nordheim, will be yours. I would have 
you strong yet tender, firm but merciful, a leader and 
teacher in Israel. 

RAIMOND 

If I had your attributes — 

OTTO 

Our people are simple but barbaric in origin and in- 
stinct; they can be easily excited to great deeds, but they 
are reverential and imitative — the one for the crown; 
the other for its lapses. As vice is seductive, virtue 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 59 

suffers . . . Sufficient to point out to you that 
the people are misled and dazzled by the evils that culture 
in high places. 

RAIMOND 

But the future — it has promise? 

OTTO 

Henry — God forgive me ! — whom another age will 
describe as famous for all that was infamous, is em- 
boldened to rashness by the false security of a powerful 
army; he has it not. 

RAIMOND 

Surely you are mistaken? 

OTTO 

For the country's welfare,p hope so. On the horizon 
loom portentous omens of bitter internecine strife and 
bloody external conflict. The King's arrogance, the 
envy of our neighbors, this continual war with the Holy 
See . . . 

RAIMOND 

It is not a fair picture. 



OTTO 



No fancy sketches it. But two in all the kingdom stand 
ready for emergency: Bremen and Nordheim. 



RAIMOND 

Bremen? You amaze me. 



60 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

OTTO 

Hermann is no fool. 

RAIMOND 

His talk belies him. 

OTTO 

True, he acts it. In that respect, I do not understand 
him. The King, fearful of all power he does not con- 
trol, hearing ill-defined rumors of the Archduke's army, 
sent him to France as his representative in the Septi- 
mania difficulty. His motive was by personal visit to 
discover — 

RAIMOND 

And he found? 

OTTO 

Nothing. Hermann had misgivings and took fore- 
thought for ally. When Henry expressed a desire to see 
the wonderful army of which he had heard much there 
was paraded a battalion of awkward retainers as the 
maximum of Bremen's noble defenders. Ha, ha, ha! 
(Hearty laughter) By the saints, it was good! 

RAIMOND 

(Joining in laugh) Delightful! I never would have 
credited the Duke with such sagacious cunning. 

OTTO 

Why he does the harlequin is incomprehensible. I sus- 
pect method in his madness. 

RAIMOND 

What of our own? It has more interest. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 61 

OTTO 

Of all classes of the service, we can muster 15,000, 
armed, trained and ready, with still sufficient to protect 
our homes against roving robber bands. 

RAIMOND 

That is why you devote so much time to military affairs? 

OTTO 

Under me, you are first in command. Hence, I enjoin 
the cultivation of all the qualities fit to consort with the 
fearlessness to which you are no stranger. I seek Father 
Anselm. (Exits into abbey. Raimond goes off R.) 

Without, loud laughter and camp noises. Enter 
anhalt, R., bowing and backing to C; zither, L., 
ditto; at C. they meet, turn and scowl at each other 
and retire, respectively, up R. and L. 

Enter Hermann, R., followed by retainers. 

HERMANN 

Gad-a-mercy, what a noise ! (Retires up R.) 

Enter L., henry escorting clodel, followed by harold, 

GUIBERT, HUBERT, CONRAD, MARY, MAIDS and 
COURTIERS. 

HENRY 

(To Clodel) Good! My lady, you are always superb, 
but you surpass yourself today! 



62 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

CLODEL 

It is well to know one pleases; and I am grateful for 
the opportunity of seeing Limwenlock. 

HENRY 

Behold it! 

CLODEL 

A repleting feast for hungry eyes. A fortress of piety 
in a profusion of nature. I'll warrant it is as luxurious 
within as without. Eh, my Harry? 

HENRY 

Come now, no more covetous eyes for monastery plate ! 

CLODEL 

(Coaxingly) But Harry, this must be exceeding choice. 

HAROLD 

If't be the lady's pleasure, 
She must have the treasure. 

CLODEL 

I commend the fool's wisdom. 

HENRY 

On our head has already fallen — 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 63 

HAROLD 

Monks may storm and chide, 
Pray and fume and try to hide; 
But how long can they resist 
If the fair one still persist? 

OMNES 

Ha, ha, ha! (Loud laughter) 

CLODEL 

(Laughingly, as she exits with Mary and lady retainers 
into abbey) It is more than wit, it is knowledge; knowledge 
that the master should have mastered long ago. 



HENRY 

Be careful! 
Enter Godfrey, hurriedly, L. 



GODFREY 

(Taking Henry down R.) Something on which we had 
not calculated. 

HENRY 

Eh? 

GODFREY 

Betrayal or surprising coincidence! 

HENRY 

Yes? 



64 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

GODFREY 

A wounded soldier, dying — one of the attacking party 
— said that after they had killed or driven the Queen's 
retinue — the conspirators against your person, as he 
thought — into the river, they, in turn, were set upon 
by masked bandits and all of the company, excepting 
himself, put to the sword. He too had his thrust and 
is dead. 

HENRY 

The Queen? 

GODFREY 

Those we sent out early this morning — they who 
found the dying man — could discover no trace of her. 
Undoubtedly she, along with the rest, met with — dire 
mishap. 

HENRY 

Free! At last we are free ! {Hermann comes down) 



GODFREY 



Hist! 



HERMANN 

Sire, your ambassador salutes! 

HENRY 

(Now in a facetious and mocking mood) By the shoe- 
mender, so you do! 

HERMANN 

I was making all speed with the report of — 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 65 

HENRY 

The alert, sagacious and statesmanlike manner you 
executed our trust? 

HERMANN 

Your graciousness overpowers. 

HAROLD 

Oh, innocent lamb, bleating while it goes to slaughter! 

HENRY 

To be unmindful of your inestimable service would not 
be gracious. You displayed exceptional skill. 

HAROLD 

A word that rhymes with kill. 

HERMANN 

{Puzzled) Eh? 

HAROLD 

I am gathering inspiration for a new ode — an epic 
in which you'll figure. 

HENRY 

Your prompt return indicates that the Frenchman 
feared you. You handled him with rare insight. 

HERMANN 

E'cod, I did. 



66 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

HENRY 

Beside your discernment he must have been the 
marionette of a country fair! 

HERMANN 

The Gaul is a skilled diplomat. 

HENRY 

Paugh, pigmie to the son of Bremen! 

HERMANN 

Your praise overbounds. 

HENRY 

It is but scant justice. Your modesty becomes your 
greatness. 

HAROLD 

Velvet paws — 

HENRY 

The ladies of the capital! Were they at all susceptible? 

HAROLD 

Hidden claws — 

HENRY 

Gadzooks, you're embarrassed, you blush ! 

HAROLD 

Turn and toy — 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 67 

HERMANN 

Well, I must admit, they're charming women — 

HAROLD 

And then destroy! 

HERMANN 

— well qualified to turn a head less wise than mine. 

HENRY 

True, Sir Adonis! We defer to your insinuating 
address. But, as your words have honest coinage, was 
that all? 

HERMANN 

I do not know that I follow you. I am not so very 
old; I have an inherent and cultivated taste for the 
beautiful — 

HENRY 

(To Omnes) Attention! Let ears have no tongue, lips 
no words that winds might bear to the charming Duchess 
of Bremen! 'Tis a royal command. 

HERMANN 

Gad-a-mercy, no! 

HENRY 

(Insinuatingly) The nymphs — confess — beguiled* 
enchanted, flattered, kissed — 

HERMANN 

Hold fast, sire; hold fast! You assume — you press 
me hard. 



68 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

HENRY 

(Accusingly) And in a vortex of mad dissipation you 
forgot your mission and yourself! (Turns and winks at 
Godfrey and others) 

HAROLD 

Obliteration! Requiescat in pace. 

HERMANN 

W-w-wha — 

HENRY 

You consented to a protectorate over Septimania and 
acceded Narbona a free port. 

HERMANN 

Your very instructions. 

HENRY 

Dolt! Do you not know that diplomacy uses language 
the very opposite of what is intended? You're as wise 
as an owl — and as stupid. 

HERMANN 

Nothing could be more explicit — 

HENRY 

Dare you contend with your Lord and Ruler? Out of 
my sight ere I send you to the stocks! 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 69 

HERMANN 

(As he goes up and exits into abbey) Gratitude! Service! 
Reward ! 

OMNES 

(Ironic laughter) Ha, ha, ha! 

anselm, who during this has entered from abbey, comes 
down stage. 

ANSELM 

The welcome and hospitality of Limwenlock to the 
majesty that honors it. 

HENRY 

(Twittingly) Ah, not satisfied with your benefice — eyes 
on something better? 

ANSELM 

There is no better, and it is too good for my 
unworthiness. 

HENRY 

You are wise, Abbot. 

ANSELM 

Our obligation will be enhanced if you partake of re- 
freshment. 

Enter monks from Abbey, pass round goblets and 
wine. 

HENRY 

We'll empty a beaker to your prosperity. The vintage 
I'll hazard is — 

ANSELM 

The best our poor vaults can boast. 



70 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

HENRY 

(Sips his) By the saints, it's good! Jester, a song; your 
occupation seeds to melancholy. 

HAROLD 

I'm a rhymster not a bard. 

HENRY 

You're spring in all its verdure. Nevertheless, your 
doggerel — Lord knows it's that — is at the moment 
acceptable. (Sits at table with Godfrey) 

OMNES 

Aye, aye, a song! (Some sit, some stand) 

HAROLD 

(At C. sings) 

When the gods send us favor 

We praise them in wine; 
'Tis meet for their honor, 

This nectar divine. 
Loud rings the cheer, 

As passes the bowl, 
To the mellow enchanter 

That gladdens the soul. 

omnes, chorus 

Praise to the root 

That fathers the vine, 
The mother of fruit 

That presses to wine. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 71 

Tra-la-la, tra-la-la, 

Tra-la-la tra-la-lay, 
Salute we the blessing, 

Long may it sway! 

HAROLD 

Our toast to the maiden 

Who never lets slip 
The joy overladen 

That lurks on the lip. 
Orbs framed in beauty 

To light with their fire 
The beacon that duty, 

Hope, courage inspire. 

OMNES 

Our pledges ascend 

To the shrine of the fair; 
On our knees we commend 

The gods have their care. 
Tra-la-la, tra-la-la, 

Tra-la-la, tra-la-lay, 
Hail then to beauty, 

Blessed be its sway! 

Enter felix, R.; stays up stage till close of song. 

HAROLD 

With reverence we name 

Whom the heavens hath sent 

To add by his fame 

To our nation's content. 



72 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

In choicest of nectar, 

In songs of the maid, 
From serf to elector, 

Let homage be paid. 

OMNES 

In grateful emotion 

To the Lord do we raise 
Hymns of devotion 

That pulse with our praise; 
From the hearts of the strong 

Just tributes are welling, 
The throats of the throng 

Its accents are swelling, 
Henry! Franconia! Forever! Hurrah! 

FELIX 

(Down C.) Bravo! Most excellent! Garlands for exalted 
worth ! 

henry and Godfrey, simultaneously 
(Jump to feet with surprise and consternation) Cosmos! 

FELIX 

(With bow. Through this scene he maintain i an attitude 
of ingenuous simplicity) Always, your most obedient. 

HENRY 

Unbounded surprise! 

FELIX 

And may I hope, delight? 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 73 

HENRY 

Have you been to Mayence? 

FELIX 

Not yet. When I saw you arrive — 

GODFREY 

You were not killed? 

FELIX 

Not to my knowing. 

GODFREY 

You were not attacked? 

FELIX 

How should you know? 

Enter bertha, U. L., unnoticed by reason of those she 
passes behind. 

HENRY 

Your report ! We have sent to unravel a rumor, obscure 
and dubious, brought us — 

FELIX 

By the Count? 

HENRY 

Just the meaning of that? 

FELIX 

I understood he joined you early this morning. 



74 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

HENRY 

Infernal! Set you a spy upon our doings? 

FELIX 

Sire, your anger is without fair cause. Peasants in- 
hale so little of the perfume of a court, they needs must 
gossip. I have but lately walked abroad. 

GODFREY 

Were not your attendants slaughtered? 

FELIX 

If so, I have not been acquainted of it. 

HENRY 

Why do you fence? Where are they? 

FELIX 

The Count would have thorn in — perhaps, heaven. 

HENRY 

The Queen? — the Empress '^ 

BERTH A 

(Stepping forward) Here Henry, beloved, 

(Taken aback but recovers quickly) 1 am relieved — but 
I know not the meaning. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 75 

FELIX 

The road was dark and treacherous. I deployed the 
guards and sent them on to make sure that all was safe. 
We were overtaken by a party of monks on the way 
hither; they told us that the river bank was infested with 
brigands, and besought us not to proceed; we were 
offered the hospitality of Limwenlock. My charge — 
your precious consort — was momentous. What could 
I do? I chose discretion. My caution, I trust, com- 
mends itself to your favor. 

HENRY 

It does. (Significantly) It shall be in everlasting re- 
membrance. 

FELIX 

Let me beg of you to forget it. 

HENRY 

Such devotion to duty? Never! 

FELIX 

You are too thoughtful . . . (Retires up stage) 

Enter mary, clodel and retainers from 
abbey. Clodel comes down stage. 

HENRY 

(Putting Bertha in seat) My sweet looks well. The 
fairest of roses bloom on the fairest of cheeks. 



76 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

BERTHA 

Now your words enrapture! Did intuition lead your 
steps this way? 

HENRY 

Some benevolent angel directed my feet to — 

CLODEL 

(Touching his shoulder) Gracious Master — 

HENRY 

(Annoyed) Well? 

BERTHA 

Again, that woman ! 

CLODEL 

Mildred is within. Just now, at prayer, in the chapel 
I saw her. 

GODFREY 

She is ours; we must have her. 

HENRY 

Hither, monkish Abbot! (Anselm advances) Is it true 
you conceal a lady to our person attached? 

ANSELM 

The Princess Mildred claims the sanctuary of Lim- 
wenlock. 

HENRY 

There is no sanctuary against the crown. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 77 

GODFREY 

( To Henry) Your promise ! I rely — 

HENRY 

Produce her, monk, if of your benefice you give scant 
thought. 

ANSELM 

For three hundred years the portals of Limwenlock 
have been open to pursued innocence and hunted crime. 
Its walls have been adamant to the demands, threats 
and violence of courtiers, knights and nobles. They have 
resisted the oppressor and persecutor. They are the 
same, and as sacred, now as of yore. Ask not the im- 
possible. They cannot, will not, dare not yield. 

HENRY 

When I return, they'll boast another abbot. 

BERTHA 

(Rises) Oh, Henry! 

ANSELM 

(Resignation) As God wills. 

HENRY 

As I will! 

BERTHA 

Husband, listen, would you fly — 

HENRY 

I command deliverance of my subject. 



78 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

ANSELM 

(Quietly) I refuse. 

HENKY 

I am King! 

HAROLD 

And kings can do no wrong. It is so, if lawyers be not 
arrant knaves. 

ANSELM 

(Evenly) To my feeble care has been entrusted Lim- 
wenlock's holy mesne and ancient prerogatives. While 
venerating your person and the throne it illuminates, 
I absolutely, positively refuse to alienate the one or for- 
feit the other. 

HENRY 

You challenge, defy — 

ANSELM 

In the name and in the protection of the Holy Trinity. 

HENRY 

Then you shall have the compulsion you court! 

ANSELM 

(Aroused) At your peril! 

HENKY 

Bah! (Snaps fingers) That for your maledictions! 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 79 

BERTHA 

Henry, for the love of heaven — 

HENRY 

Peace! (To courtiers) Attention! 

ANSELM 

For God's sake, desist! From the presence of the 
Blessed Sacrament you must drag her! 

HENRY 

The crime be on your head ! 

BERTHA 

(Clutching his arm) Henry, husband, hear me! It is 
sacrilege you contemplate. 

HENRY 

(Casts her into seat) Another word sunders us forever! 

BERTHA 

God pity and forgive you! (Weeps) 

HENRY 

(To attendants) Within! Produce the Princess if it 
cost the raising of foundation stone! (Anselm, at steps, 



80 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

tries to bar the way. Godfrey and Conrad throw him aside 
and, with others, rush steps) 

Enter mildred from abbey; stands in door. 

MILDRED 

Stop! I would not purchase immunity at the cost of 
the profanation of the Holy of Holies ! Let me pass. (Way 
is made for her; she comes down) Sire, I am here. 

HENRY 

Your decision is praiseworthy. 

Enter otto and ratmond, U. R., stand back. Rai- 
mond as if to rush down, Otto restraining him. 

MILDRED 

Over my body, you have manorial right — I am the 
vassal. Do with it as your impulse prompts; load it 
with chains, drag it at the chariot wheel, break it on 
rack, confine it in dungeon — and be satisfied. My 
conscience, my will, my soul are my own; over them 
you have no lordship. In that domain you are as help- 
less as a child tossed by turbulent wave. I tell you now; 
nay, I swear, I will never marry Godfrey of Sudermann! 

HENRY 

Ha, ha, ha! (Incredulous laughter) To halter and 
saddle we have broken more intractable colts. 

RAIMOND 

(Rushes doion and throws himself at Henry's feet) My 
liege, give ear to the petitions — 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 81 

HENRY 

What disturber have we now? 

MILDRED 

Raimond ! 

CONRAD 

Son of Otto. 

GODFREY 

The cub of Nordheim. 

RAIMOND 

Sire, for the lady, for love, life, happiness I supplicate ! 

HENRY 

Your right? 

RAIMOND 

She is my affianced. 

HENRY 

Not so. My word has pledged her to another. 

RAIMOND 

Default it! There would be no crime. Otherwise, 
the crime is violation and thert. She is all to me as I 
am all to her. Out of the plenitude of your good- 
ness and mercy undo a wrong unworthy of your exalted 
station. 

HENRY 

Rare sentiments to be suckled from the treacherous 
breasts of Nordheim ! 



82 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

OTTO 

(Who has come down; raising Raimond) Words unbe- 
coming the son of the third Henry, whose life these arms 
saved at Lindenham. 

HENRY 

And with ingratitude requites the offspring for the 
favors of the sire. 

MILDRED 

(To Raimond) Why have you come to add to my mis- 
ery? (He seats her R. and remains with her) 

HENRY 

( To Otto) We accord you hearing, speak ! 

OTTO 

To these youthful prayers I add mine . 

HENRY 

Refused ! 

OTTO 

If language, having spring in the deepest wells of 
affection, can touch the chord of imperial magnanimity, 
I press, urge, beseech for these tender ones who, like 
stricken mourners by an open grave, await the sepulture of 
hopes and happiness. 

HENRY 

If it be so, it is so appointed. No more of it. Have 
you aught else? 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 88 

OTTO 

(Emphatic) Much! The priests and people of Nord- 
heim memorialize that Elfred be not consecrated bishop 
'till Rome has spoken. 

HENRY 

Obstinate serfs! 

OTTO 

The appointment is scandal that harbors dissension. 

HENRY 

Present the document that it may be forwarded to 
the master of public floggings. 

OTTO 

If for that only, I'll retain it for use elsewhere. 

HENRY 

Does Elfred not satisfy the swine? 

OTTO 

Briars do not yield lilies. A corrupt priest cannot 
bestow lustre on a mitre or authority to a crozier. 

HENRY 

You question our right of investiture? 

OTTO 

Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's. 



8: A MEDIEVAL HUX 



HEN'KV 



We give it memory ! Have you completed the measure 
of your insolence? 

OTTO 

Sweesig is being devastated by minions, acting in your 
name, without inquisition or warrant of intrusion. 

HENRY 

The overzeal of some of our adherents. 

OTTO 

Monasteries echo the ruthless tread of mailed despoiler, 
women flee and hide the ravisher's ghoulish desire, the 
right of sanctuary is violated, temples profaned, altars 
defiled, tabernacles rifled for ornaments to deck the 
strumpets of satraps' seraglios. 

HENRY 

Tiresome! What is it all to me? 

OTTO 

I am their overlord, you are mine. They look to me 
for protection; in turn, I look to you. 

HENRY 

Serfs! Dare they, dare you impeach our administration? 
Into their witless pates drive the certainty: We ;ire King 
and Emperor by right divine! 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 85 

OTTO 

Rather, because you are the first begotten of the loins 
of your father — and by the will of the people. 

HENRY 

Sedition ! Deraagoguery ! 

OTTO 

Custom immemorial, prescription sprung from the 
womb of time, may blunt perception, but does not stifle 
the voice of equity or abrogate the rights of man. 

HENRY 

(Disgust) Platitude ! 

OTTO 

Only the patient searcher locates origins; only to the 
dreamer is vouched visions of possibilities. 

HENRY 

Your mind's diseased ! 

OTTO 

My liege, it requires no prophetic gift to ken when 
age, hoary in evolution and revolution, shall hear the 
brazen tongue of Liberty's loud mouth bell proclaim: 
Government derives its power from the consent of the 
governed. 

HENRY 

(Approaching and draioing gauntlet from belt) That 
brain of yours shelters treason and harbors — 



86 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

OTTO 

Nay, not so. I am untutored in dissembler's art ; I have 
no disguise to conceal opinions which from conviction 
take on form. 

HENRY 

Our answer! (Strikes him in face with gauntlet. Otto 
evinces great, suppressed emotion. Raimond, standing to 
his R. attempts to draw sword. Otto, without looking at 
him, catches his wrist) Godfrey ! Conrad ! The rest to our 
cortege ! (Exeunt his followers and Hermann's retainers) 
Monk, lead the way. We would make an inventory of 
the treasure these walls enclose. (Exit Anselm into abbey, 
folloiced by Godfrey, Conrad and Henry) 

OTTO 

(Breast heaving) 'Tis well for him he is King, else that 
blow had been his last! 

RAIMOND 

Father, your grasp gives me pain. 

OTTO 

(Dropping his wrist) Forgive me, child. Child no longer! 
The joy and hope of my house. To steed, make free use 
of spur, nor cease dispatch till you have sounded the tocsin 
in Nordheim! 

RAIMOND 

You, whither? 

OTTO 

Rome! Rome, to unfold the truth to the Sovereign 
Pontiff; to pniy absolution from the oath that binds me 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 87 

to allegiance. Then, then shall Henry know the might 
of injured right, the o'erwhelming power of a people's 
will! (Exits with rapid stride L.) 

RAIMOND 

(At U. R. calls off) Mark, quick, I await my horse! 
Haste, I tell you, for I must away to prepare the chivalry 
of Nordheim to breast the tempest and avenge an insult! 
(Seeing Henry, Godfrey and Conrad enter from abbey, he 
stands behind a convenient buttress of the building.) 

HENRY 

(Laughing) Still, not sufficient to satisfy the rapacity 
of my faithful Clodel . . . 

Enter chevalier, R. 

Well, what now? 

CHEVALIER 

(Advances, kneels and hands a scroll to Henry) To the 
liege lord, Henry, from the Vatican. (Stands) 

HENRY 

Ah, perhaps he relents — has had discretion for a 
visitor. (Breaks seal and silently reads) Fiends of hell, 
another insult ! (Running his eye over the communication) 
"Vetoes Elf red as bishop of Nordheim . . . deprives him 
of priestly faculties . . . Renounces simony, investiture 
. . . penalties . . . summonses Guibert to be disci- 
plined . . . complaints . . . loath to rebuke . . . solici- 
tous for our salvation . . . seal of fisherman . . . 
Gregory, PP. VII." We stay not long on the shivering 



88 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

edge of suspense. Guibert disgraced, Nordheim itching 
for rebellion, the monk of Cluny dictates — dictates to us! 
Here, flunky, this to the pettifogging priest of priests! 
(Throws away scroll) Tell him his parchment has gone on 
winds to supply intellectual repast for jackals; that the 
low cunning and black-art he employs to ensnare men 
and with which he kept Pope Nicholas like an ass in a 
stable is harmless against the strong winged, broad 
winged eagles of Germany and Rome! Begone! (Exit 
Chevalier R.) The third within a month! Insufferable! 
Had ever monarch such a motley crew about him ? Where's 
the Macedonian courage that should rid us of besetting 
tyranny? 

GODFREY 

(Draws sword) To it this sword is dedicated! 

CONRAD 

(Draws sivord) And this is consecrated! 

HENRY 

(Draws sword and crosses theirs) Bravely spoken! 
Let not promise grow stale for execution. We follow, and 
on Campania's plain elect a pontiff amenable to our 
paramount pleasure. (Godfrey and Conrad in unison with 
him) Death to Hildebrand! Hail Guibert of Ravenna! 

CURTAIN 



ACT III 



ACT III 

A ROOM IN THE VATICAN. Gothic interior. 
Doors down R. and L. On the upper side of each door is 
part of a column, sufficient to conceal a person standing 
behind it. Above, on R., a door (French window) opening 
to balcony, overlooking a court; a small seat temporarily 
in window-opening. In rear wall a large stained-glass 
window depicting three life-sized angels holding aloft 
flaming swords. No light behind this window — the dead 
effect of a church window at night when the interior is lighted. 

Gregory is discovered standing at open window, his left 
hand resting on back of seat; Dolmino, also standing, a few 
feet away. 

As curtain rises voices are heard from the court singing: 

Laudate Dominum omnes Praise the Lord, all ye 
gentes; laudate eum, omnes nations; praise him, all ye 
populi. people. 

Quoniam confirmata est For his mercy is con- 
super nos misericordia ejus: firmed upon us: and the 
et Veritas Domini manet in truth of the Lord remaineth 
aeternum. forever. 

When singing has ceased Gregory raises his right hand 
and blesses the people who cheer and are supposed to dis- 
perse. 

GREGORY 

(Turning to Dolmino) God bless them! They are good 
people. If politicians — ah, me, perhaps it were well not 



92 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

to touch the unwholesome with uncovered hands. They 
cheer! It flatters the streak of vanity in most, if not all of 
us: an outcropping in many; a deep stratum in others, but 
there nevertheless. Sinful, of course, but ... A token 
of affection ! It gratifies ; solace for many an anxious hour ! 

DOLMINO 

Why not acclaim you? Would you have favor in- 
sensible to gratitude? You have opened schools, emanci- 
pated serfs, sheltered weaklings and given the States the 
best of governments. You have healed the sick, restored 
sight to the blind and even, it is said, quickened the dead. 

GREGORY 

Not I — the Master — Peter and John going up to the 
temple ! Somehow, this generous outpouring of love and ven- 
eration makes me apprehensive. Only four short days, re- 
member, between the palm and the cross — from " Hosanna " 
to "Crucify Him!" 

DOLMINO 

Banish, I beseech you, such oppressive thoughts. 

GREGORY 

(Sits. Slight cough) This cough annoys more fre- 
quently. I have a premonition, because I love justice 
and hate iniquity, I shall die in exile. 

DOLMINO 

In exile, Holy Father, thou canst not die, for ' 'He hath 
given thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the 
utmost bounds of the earth for thy possessions." 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 93 

GREGORY 

Of late my rest has been disturbed by disquieting 
dreams — realistic, compelling, abiding. I saw William 
and Dietrich — to me personally unknown — sons of the 
late Count Gero, with inflexible determination and the 
glow of conquest writ on countenance, sweep on to victory 
after victory, while multitudes flocked to their standards 
and Henry, the king, precipitately fled before them. Then, 
in the woods of Antwerp, Godfrey of Lorraine, spouse of our 
daughter Matilda — 

DOLMINO 

He who vaingloriously boasted he would lead another 
pope, Henry's appointee, triumphantly to Rome? 

GREGORY 

The same. But now, in my vision, done to death by an 
enemy's dagger. 

DOLMINO 

The punishment of God is certain; though sometimes, 
to our finite comprehension, His messengers have heavy 
feet. 

GREGORY 

The last, most horrible of all: The cathedral church of 
William of Utrecht blasted, like the accursed cities of old; 
and the profane and irreverent prelate himself, afflicted 
with sudden loathsome disease, in the throes of his last 
agony, going to the grave and judgment with imprecations 
on his lips, refusing to be shriven, reviling his Maker 
and, in all the terrors of remorse, proclaiming his own 
eternal damnation. 



94 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

DOLMINO 

(Subtly) Perchance, it is the human agency employed 
by the Holy Spirit to awaken to the urgent necessity of 
dealing with the King and his satellites. 

GREGORY 

What, still harping on that subject? 

DOLMINO 

(Sadly) You were not slow to rebuke when you were 
Hildebrand. 

GREGORY 

Ideals without responsibility, like the enthusiasms of 
life's early morning, are wonderful; with it — ah well, 
that is otherwise. Atlas to carry the earth must preserve 
its equilibrium. 

DOLMINO 

Henry's latest is an imperative, impudent demand for 
Imperial coronation. 

GREGORY 

For that, at least — and it is the greatest — he is 
beholden to us and must petition. Methinks, holy chrism 
will never confirm the crown of Charlemagne on the 
brow of a profligate. He must mend his ways. 

DOLMINO 

"The desire of the wicked shall perish." He daily 
grows in iniquity — 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 95 

GREGORY 

(Chidingly, half playful) My dear cardinal, set a watch 
around thy mouth, and a door around thy lips, that thy 
heart may not incline to — er — uncharitableness. 

DOLMLNO 

I do not wish to importune; sometimes, I fear, my 
words are open to implications of which there is no in- 
tention. 

GREGORY 

(Drily) Do not disparage yourself, beloved brother. 
Believe us, our will is not weak. We judge his acts as 
born of youth's impulsiveness. Then his mother — we 
must not forget the sainted Agnes. 

DOLMINO 

I am described as calloused, but even my heart bleeds 
for her. 

GREGORY 

Henry makes fair promises. 

DOLMINO 

They are stillborn. 

GREGORY 

I have always had admiration for the Prodigal's father. 

DOLMINO 

Would there have been such if the parent had not 
spared the rod? 



d6 A MEDIEVAL HUN 



GREGORY 

The rod! Ah, that should be the last resort; stubborn 
perversity alone justifies its use. Let us hope we may never 
have to wield it. 

DOLMINO 

While you hesitate, what happens? Heresy in religion, 
anarchy in administration, bishops named and inducted 
over whom your authority at best is nominal. You order; 
the King countermands. The laity are shocked, moral 
apathy roots and faith is endangered. 

GREGORY 

(Good-naturedly) Pious zeal, I fear me, does sometimes 
exaggerate! 

DOLMINO 

If it does — there — I have nothing more to add — I 
hold my peace. 

GREGORY 

At least acquaint us with the remedy you would adopt. 

DOLMINO 

Discipline; iron, resolute chastisement! "He hath put 
down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the 
humble." 

GREGORY 



Yes, I see; but then — you are not pope. 

DOL.MIM» 

Heaven forefend! 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 97 

GREGORY 

Is the time opportune for what you advise? 

DOLMINO 

The measure of God's time is an ever present day! 

GREGORY 

But we are mortals. 

DOLMINO 

"He hath showed might in his arm: he hath scattered 
the proud in the conceit of their heart." 

GREGORY 

It causes me, I confess, sleepless nights and prayerful 
hours. I am overlooking nothing and forgetting nothing. 
God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble. 
I would be truly humble before I became his harsh, un- 
relenting judge. Ah, me, we go sorrowful while the enemy 
afflicteth us! 

DOLMINO 

You are too compassionate! 

GREGORY 

Dolmino, I did not seek the government of the Church ; 
I was called to it against my will. Of this, Our Lady, 
the Mother of God, with my brother the blessed Paul 
and the whole celestial hierarchy bear witness. The 
August One who knows all, knows I would sooner finish 
my life a wanderer than use the seat in a worldly spirit 



98 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

and for earthly glory. My great desire, my ambition, 
is to reign in peace and unity according to the Divine 
Will; but I would scorn myself if, swayed by menaces or 
cowardly purchasing a temporary advantage, I com- 
promised a single principle of which I am the unworthy 
custodian. 

DOLMINO 

(Elated) You are that Hildebrand, the same Hilde- 
brand who prevented the usurpation of Bruno of Toul! 

GREGORY 

Bruno was a saint! Henry's unseemly infatuations 
blind : he does not realize that one by one his allies desert 
him, the churchman gradually divorces himself from the 
influence of state and his subjects' murmurs unfold into 
menaces. To the most casual, all signs are portents of his 
disaster. (Rising) You think me laggard — 

DOLMINO 

Your policy has certainly been fruitful: the foresight, 
depth and breadth of wise statesmanship. 

GREGORY 

When the first part of my dream becomes reality; when 
Saxon martydom inspires and Saxon fires light the torch 
for Freedom's way; when Henry's throne teeters, then, 
unless his heart is truly contrite, I will call upon the 
Lord and "He will show forth to his people the power of 
his works!" (Coughing drops back into seat) 

Enter chevalier, L. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 99 

CHEVALIER 

(Kneeling before Gregory) Most Holy Father, my mission 
is accomplished. 

GREGORY 

Arise. His answer? 

CHEVALIER 

(Stands) He gave none — that is, in writing. 

DOLMINO 

More disrespect! Had he no speech? 

CHEVALIER 

He called me a flunky. 

GREGORY 

(Grave, dry humor) That goes too far, indeed. But of 
us, what did he say? 

CHEVALIER 

It is better buried. 

GREGORY 

Nevertheless, we would hear it. 

CHEVALIER 

He spoke about the Monk of Cluny dictating — "dic- 
tates to us," were his words. 

GREGORY 

Monk of Cluny! Ah, how I wish I were! 



100 A MEDIEVAL HUN 



CHEVALIER 



He cast aside the packet with a speech about the — it 
was insolent — the priest of priests. 



GREGORY 

Poor fellow! Pride, pride! Does he think the human 
is above the divine? that the court which judges spiritual 
things shall not also adjudicate the things of earth? 

DOLMINO 

Is that all? 

CHEVALIER 

He was convulsed with passion and said many things I did 
not lay to memory. 

DOLMINO 

You are concealing something? 

GREGORY 

Speak, my son; it's best I know. 

CHEVALIER 

He said that the low cunning and black-art that en- 
snared men and kept Pope Nicholas like an ass in a 
stable — 

GREGORY 

(Amused) Ah, so he keeps in touch with current com- 
ment! 

CHEVALIER 

— was harmless against the eagles of Germany and Rome. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 101 

GREGORY 

He has not yet the insignia of empire, and my pro- 
phetic instinct kens he never shall. That will do. 
Retire. (Exit Chevalier, L.) 

DOLMINO 

Now, are you convinced? 

GREGORY 

The ass in the stable — that was good ! Who would 
expect it from the young reprobate? 

DOLMINO 

Pardon. It is hardly a matter for levity. It is glaring, 
outrageous insult — contempt, contumacy ! You might 
ignore it personally, but not the defiance to your exalted 
station. 

GREGORY 

There is no gainsaying that! Our fathers have not 
seen or heard, and sacred historians do not record at any 
time to have emanated from pagans or heretics this bold- 
ness which blasphemes the Lord in the blessed Peter. In- 
cline unto my aid, O God, and lend me strength, spiritual 
and physical, to meet the issue. It is apparent we may no 
longer patronize or resist the dictates of duty. Ah me, 
the struggle will be intense unto white-heat, galling to the 
Lucifer-like pride of the Franconian. 

Enter chevalier, L. 



102 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

CHEVALIER 

Most Holy Father, Baron Otto of Nordheim and the 
Abbot Anselm of Limwenlock crave urgent audience. 

DOLMINO 

At this unusual hour? Impossible. Name them two 
hours after mid-day. 

GREGORY 

Nay, nay, they are the ambassadors of the King. Al- 
ready Henry repents his acts. Ceremony is waived. Let 
them enter. (Chevalier retires L.) 

DOLMINO 

Contrition hot on the heels of insubordination! The 
wolf in the garb of the lamb! 

GREGORY 

No, it is Providential grace. 

Enter otto and anselm, L. They kneel and kiss 
Gregory's hand. 

OTTO 

Most Holy Father, we crave your blessing. 

GREGORY 

Arise, my sons. (They stand) Your presence rejoices us. 
You bear the gift of Henry's sincere, if late, submission? 

OTTO 

Alas, no. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 103 

GREGORY 

No? 

OTTO 

Sincerely do I regret that it is not my felicity to bring 
consolation to the shepherd's heart. I have come to 
supplicate decree divorcing allegiance wedded to remorse- 
less tyrant; to beseech a fatherly benediction on a struggle 
for the liberties of my distracted country. 

GREGORY 

Truly the burden of the day is heavy! Joy was the 
expected guest; sorrow comes in his stead. 

OTTO 

Would that word or act of mine could banish it. 

GREGORY 

(Resignedly) Ah, well! What facts and reasons support 
your unusual behest? 

OTTO 

The same that from creation's daylight despotism has 
put into the mouth of its victim. 

GREGORY 

Henry is a plant of rank growth. Tending, pruning, 
training avail naught. 

OTTO 

He claims, not alone to rule, but to enslave by right 
divine. He confines the person of the Princess Mildred of 



104 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

Bavaria, niece and ward of the saintly Hubert, arch- 
bishop of that see, under compulsion to mate with God- 
frey of Sudermann. 

GREGORY 

Has she valid reason for objecting to the union? 

OTTO 

She is affianced to another — my son. 

GREGORY 

Personal interest! Hardly sufficient to justify your 
extraordinary request or the measure you contemplate. 

OTTO 

Injured right has no personality; the particle denied 
justice affects and menaces the whole. Were more 
needed: She is to be immolated and her wealth sacrificed 
to the cupidity of this suitor, because so pledged by the 
king, as a reward for compassing the death of the 
Empress. 

GREGORY 

Stop! Son, know est what you say? The charge is 
wild — mad ! Insanity alone could give it tongue or 
credence. 

ANSELM 

I support it without reservation — I know. 
GREGORY 

The depravity — the sin — oh! ► 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 105 

OTTO 

I took him memorial, signed by priests and people of 
Nordheim, protesting Elfred's elevation to the episco- 
pacy — 

GREGORY 

And — 

OTTO 

Declined to receive it — jested it to scorn — wanted 
the subscribers' names to send their persons to the flogging 
post. 

GREGORY 

Yes, and you — 

OTTO 

Refused. 

GREGORY 

From the unjust and deceitful man, deliver us! Go on. 

OTTO 

Marauders pillage our lands; lust and rapine are toler- 
ated and protected as when Nero defiled a throne in this 
imperial city; our convents and monasteries are not 
sacred from ruthless invasion; sanctuary is violated; there 
is sacrilege in the temple; virtue is mocked and without 
refuge; the valuables of the Church are confiscated and 
transmuted into gauds to requite lechery! 

GREGORY 

Crimes monstrous in their immensity! 



106 A MEDIEVAL HUN 



ANSELM 



The statement swerves not the thickness of a grass 
blade from the truth. 

GREGORY 

I charge you: spring these accusations from motives 
disinterested? 

ANSELM 

On my part, born of the Church's and a nation's agony. 

GREGORY 

(To Otto) And you, my son? 

OTTO 

Rancour adds no fuel to wrath's blazing pyre. Yet, as 
I am a sinful man, do I confess that personal indignity 
applied the torch. With fair speech and respectful mien 
I spread before Henry the grievances that sued relief. 
For answer, he smote me on the face. Then broke loose, 
and in wild deluge gushed up, those fountains of passion 
in the human breast that lend sacramental unction to the 
consecration of divine purpose — then, then I became 
the avenger, not of my own, but of my country's wrongs! 

GREGORY 

Unheard of crimes! (Rises) Enough! The audience is 
ended. To our council chamber repair when conies the 
mid-day hour. You will then learn our decision. (Otto 
and Anselm retire bowing, L.) 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 107 

DOLMINO 

Ghastly reality has consumed hope. There is but 
one orb luminous enough to penetrate the darkness; one 
voice potent enough to summon the dead to life. Both 
in one do centre. It cannot, dare not betray its trust 
as the Keeper of the Keys! 

GREGORY 

True! The contempt and injury of myself I forgive; 
but those against Our Lord, His Mother, His Apostles 
and the communion of saints demand expiation. The 
moment of action has arrived despite our patient endeavor; 
terrible words, at the sound of which angels weep and 
powers of darkness rejoice, must be spoken. What we 
bind shall be bound — (Breaks into violent fit of cough- 
ing) Assist me; I am very feeble, very — 

DOLMINO 

Courage, fortitude, strength! "The Lord will send 
forth the sceptre of thy power out of Sion: rule though 
in the midst of thy enemies." 

GREGORY 

(Recovering) You are right! It is no time for bodily 
infirmity. It is the appointed moment to be about my 
Father's business — for daring, drastic deed! Let him 
beware who thinks the Church the worthless bondwoman 
of the kings of the earth ! " The Lord at thy right hand 
hath broken kings in the day of his wrath. He shall judge 
among nations, he shall fill ruins, he shall crush the 



108 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

heads in the land of many." Lead me. I am — Hild, 
brand! (Exits following Dolmino, R.) 

Enter Godfrey and conrad, with drawn swords 
stealthily L. 

GODFREY 

Fortune favors. 

CONRAD 

The dolt of a guard who gave credence to our word 
little recked the eminent service he loaned to vast emprise. 

GODFREY 

Conceal yourself yonder. (Godfrey hides behind column 
R., Conrad, L.) 

Enter Gregory, R. 

(Godfrey emerges from behind column, takes a step in 
advance towards Gregory, stops as if attention arrested, 
furtively looks over balcony, quickly retreats behind column. 
Raimond, with unsheathed sword in hand, is seen climbing 
over balcony railing.) 

raimond enters hurriedly by window. 

GREGORY 

(Turns, startled) What means it? This mode of entry — 
this intrusion? Speak, stranger! In our presence with 
bloodstained sword! 

RAIMOND 

Thank God, I'm in time to save you! I have out- 
raced death — the messenger of your assassination! 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 109 

GREGORY 

Incomprehensible! Is the madhouse loose? 

RAIMOND 

Heed me, Holy Father! Days, not many in number, 
have gone since Godfrey, Count of Sudermann, and 
Conrad, Margrave of Erchstedt, departed Limwenlock, 
under oath to the Emperor, vowed to your death. 

GREGORY 

Mine? 

RAIMOND 

Aye, yours! I overheard and, with speed that hardly 
paused for rest, gathered the clans of Nordheim. They 
are not five leagues distant. Fearful, lest the foul deed 
outdo me, I pressed hither. 

GREGORY 

You must — you surely are mistaken ! 

RAIMOND 

Even now, on the Campania, floats the Black Eagle; 
Henry raises a stately pavilion in which to elect your 
successor; the unfrocked of Ravenna is destined for the 
Later an throne. 

GREGORY 

Is it so? (Cryptically and measuredly) What saith the 
Royal Psalmist? "The dead shall not praise thee, O 
Lord; nor any of them that go down to hell." 



110 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

RAIMOND 

My approach was seen and two minions dispatched to 
intercept — 

GREGORY 

And, by God's goodness, failed! 

RAIMOND 

Pray for them, they have need of it. 

GREGORY 

You have acted with true nobility. Here and here- 
after your fidelity will be rewarded. I go for a walk; 
accompany me. I would learn more from you — of the 
details. But put aside the sword. The favored Peter was 
rebuked for using it. 

RAIMOND 

I would keep it; it may still be a faithful friend. 

GREGORY 

No, not here. 

RAIMOND 

Depravity may penetrate even — 

GREGORY 

(Chidingly) Our behests are usually considered — 

RAIMOND 

Commands. I obey. (Takes off sword and stands it 
in V. L. corner) But should they come — 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 111 

GREGORY 

Heard you not of the Christmas eve night when 
Cenci, the Tusculum, invaded the church of St. Maria 
Maggiore, tore us from the altar, wounded and made us 
prisoner? 

RAIMOND 

No. 

GREGORY 

The same Mercy that then preserved us; the same 
Power that guided the random sent dart to the throat of 
the ruffian adherent about to strike off our head, will 
again deliver us from evil if it be Its holy will we should 
longer serve. (He is now up C; Raimond up L.) 

RAIMOND 

It is — (Has turned; sees Godfrey and Conrad, who have 
emerged from their respective concealments and are menac- 
ingly converging on Gregory) Look, Holy Father! Look, 
see, they are here! 

GREGORY 

(Turns quickly and draws himself up defiantly) Strike! 

I am ready. Strike an old man and release him to glory. 

(They hesitate) Well, I await; why do you hesitate? 

(They raise swords; Gregory drops on one knee with arms 

outstretched) Strike! Slay the PRINCE OF THE 

APOSTLES and the WORD MADE FLESH! (Sudden 

darkness ■ — all lights out. Lights up behind Gothic window; 

all parts of the window are opaque except the figures of 

the angels; they now stand out as if animated and hovering 

in protection over Gregory. Spot light on Gregory. Godfrey 

and Conrad, vrith shrieks of terror, rush off respectively 

R. and L.) 

CURTAIN 



ACT IV 



ACT IV 

EMPEROR'S PAVILION. A large and gorgeous 
marquee interior, full stage, cyclorama setting. Door C, 
hung with curtains and backed by scene representing the 
Campania. Dais, with throne, up L. C. Wide aisle C, 
with seats on both sides. Rugs, banners and other evidences 
of splendor. 

DISCOVERED: Harold lying asleep on dais; Clodel 
sitting opposite, but a little below; Bertha and Mildred 
down R.; Mary and Felix down L. All in an abstracted 
mood. A short silence after raise of curtain. 



CLODEL 

What's the office, matins or vespers? (Pause) Oh, it*s 
a requiem, is it? (Pause) Did anyone declaim? Possibly 
my hearing has been affected by the Italian miasma. 
(Pause) Dear me, what a distracting, clamorous hubbub ! 
(The others ignore her) 

MARY 

(To Felix) Your thoughts, Sir Absentmind? 

FELIX 

Weighty: the length of Henry's memory. 

MARY 

A truce to that ! Let's live and be merry while we may. 



116 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

FELIX 

Yes, but you see, personally, I do not favor early demise. 

MARY 

Take courage, the King's anger is generally shortlived — 
in inverse ratio to its vehemence; much of it, like Gorgon 
Medusa, is fable to tame unruly children. 

FELIX 

Henry is no fable and a headless trunk is not pleasant 
speculation. 

MARY 

Then dismiss it from mind until near danger of it 
compels attention. . . . Poor Mildred, she is the one 
who is heavily burdened — walks the via dolorosa. 

FELIX 

(Points off L.) There is her haven — if there be one. 

MARY 

Where? 

FELIX 

There, where a cross marks the habitation of Peter. 
(They rise and stroll off L.) 

BERTHA 

It is oppressive, I suffocate — 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 117 

MILDRED 

Let us go into the open. (Both rise) God's light has a 
soothing effect; it is the antagonist of disquieting reflec- 
tion. (They exit R.) 

CLODEL 

(Sarcastically) Hell! 

HAROLD 

(Wakes and sits up) Yes, it's hot. 

CLODEL 

What do you mean? 

HAROLD 

The place you mentioned, of course. 

CLODEL 

The blood of this human kettle is boiling; soon it will 
boil over and someone will be badly scalded. 

HAROLD 

As serious as all that? 

CLODEL 

If the pleasure-loving Franconian thinks I will endure 
the contempt of his so-called wife and the insolence of 
her dependents, he will have a rude awakening. 

HAROLD 

Take care the shock is not yours. Henry has a 
summary disposition, as perhaps you have noticed. I 



118 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

speak with knowledge, having been with him for years. 
He lacks constancy — has a most reprehensible habit of 
tiring of toys. 

CLODEL 

(Snappy) Do you class me a toy? 

HAROLD 

A most beautiful one; animated but — but, possibly, 
passt. 

CLODEL 

(Jumps up in anger) Fool ! 

HAROLD 

You have the name correctly. 

CLODEL 

What are you hinting at? 

HAROLD 

Passports! Safe conduct, retirement and penitential 
meditation for one who has served the state! 

CLODEL 

I'll have you whipped. 

HAROLD 

You never knew a jester to be punished. We are a 
royalty — minor, to be sure — but royalty nevertheless; 
ours, an inherited gift. My father, his father — all the 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 119 

grandfathers — have reigned in turn. To dethrone us 
would leave the court without — no, with one less fool. 

CLODEL 

I'll to the King — 

HAROLD 

And invite rebuff? Have a care. In his present frame 
of mind he is more than apt to be ugly. " The Emperor 
is not to be disturbed." Such were the orders. To dis- 
regard them, a fool would not dare; a quadruped, braying 
to have pulled down the ladder it had mounted, might. 

CLODEL 

I concede, you understand his humors. 

HAROLD 

I should. I know when to anticipate — a kick. Be 
seated and unravel your troubles. The kettle blows up if 
there is no vent for the vapor. 

CLODEL 

(Somewhat mollified, reluctantly sits) Why do we stag- 
nate here? 

HAROLD 

Royal pleasure — perhaps. 

CLODEL 

I asked Henry and he nearly bit off my head. 



120 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

HAROLD 

(Sarcastic) Unimpressible? 

CLODEL 

(Doubtful) Eh? 

HAROLD 

(Airily) Nothing. 

CLODEL 

He was cross, irritable — 

HAROLD 

Snap and schnapps! 

CLODEL 

He has been drinking over much. We caroused last 
night and retired late. 

HAROLD 

Muddy mouth, dirty words — expected! What's the 
concrete tribulation? There's nothing here to covet and 
convert. 

CLODEL 

That's just it. Yesterday, he promised we would con- 
tinue our march at daybreak. I'm so anxious to visit 
Rome! It is now mid-day and we have not moved, nor 
is there sign of it. Moreover, I heard it said that he 
was going to send all the women — me included — me ! 
— back home. 

HAROLD 

No surprise! Cause and effect! Unconsciously you 
are the former. Early this morning he had a most de- 
lightful letter — 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 121 

CLODEL 

(Suspicious) From a woman? 

HAROLD 

Certainly; otherwise, where the piquancy? 

CLODEL 

God, if I get my hands on her! What's she like? 

HAROLD 

The richest, best educated and most beautiful in the 
world. 

CLODEL 

Surpassing me? 

HAROLD 

Report has it so. 

CLODEL 

No, no, it cannot be. I've been told — have you ever 
seen a face handsomer than mine? 

HAROLD 

(Cynically) I am not an artist. 

CLODEL 

Or a figure? 

HAROLD 

The proverbial cat has advantages. 



122 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

CLODEL 

(Stands) Judge for yourself! 

HAROLD 

I am not a Greek . . . The letter was discovered neatly 
wrapped about an arrow that had been sped from some 
vantage point, by wary messenger, into the flap of Henry's 
tent. 

CLODEL 

Who is she? What's her name? 

HAROLD 

Matilda, Countess of Canossa. 

CLODEL 

I'll seek her as we return ! 

HAROLD 

(Rises) Too jeopardizing! Matilda is a prude and in- 
clined to be drastic. She'd have you make an altogether 
unnecessary display of your attractions; ornament you 
with pitch and plume and have you escorted through the 
highways by heralds announcing: "Behold the splendor 
of a royal bawd!" 

CLODEL 

(Great passion) Good God ! You dare, you — you — 
you — 

HAROLD 

Calm yourself and you'll hear the contents of the 
epistle: "Henry," it was quite so abrupt. "Henry, if 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 123 

you dare profane the Eternal City and affront the Holy 
See with your own and your concubine's" — do you 
recognize the allusion? — "concubine's presence, you 
will never recross the Alps. Matilda." Brief and to the 
point! 

CLODEL 

The she-devil! Ha, ha, ha! (Strained laughter) She 
cannot intimidate us; Henry will punish her insolence. 

HAROLD 

He'll try — sometime — not immediately. He knows, 
you do not, the Tuscans' terrible war cry: "St. Peter and 
Matilda!" 

CLODEL 

When he hears me — 

HAROLD 

He will never hear you. He's heard too much of you. 
It accounts for his mood, words and over-indulgence. 
(At C. D.) And, my charmer, I had not disclosed this 
much were I not aware that the fiat has gone forth for 
your beatific translation to the paradise of — of discarded 
merry-andrews. (Exits C. D.) 

CLODEL 

(In dread fear, gasps) God ! (Stumbles into seat R. C. 
and drops her head on her arms, which are over the back of 
a seat) 

Re-enter harold, backing, C. D., followed by anhalt. 

ANHALT 

(Announces) T-t-the Ar-r-rchduke of B-b-bremen! 



124 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

HAROLD 

Write it down on the scullery floor, 
Our feast's augmented by one more bore 

ANHALT 

As-s-sinine j-j-joke ! 

HAROLD 



My, my, when you stutter, 
Does your heart go aflutter? 



ANHALT 

B-b-beast! (Exits C. D.) 
Enter Hermann, C. D. 



HERMANN 



Imbecile, knowest thou the whereabouts of the gallant 
Baron of Nordheim? 

HAROLD 

The functionary fool has not enlightenment surpassing 
that of the innate fool. Seek elsewhere! (Goes off R.) 

HERMANN 

Of all the useless — I'll have him to the pillory! (Fol- 
lows off R.) 

Enter henry, C. D., flushed with wine, but not drunk; 
only an occasional thickness of speech discloses thai he 
has taken too much. 

HENRY 

Zither, man, hi, wine! Be quick about it for we have 
much that demands attention. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 125 

CLODEL 

(Rises) Henry! 

HENRY 

What are you doing here? Were you not notified that 
the Queen and her suite return with dispatch to our 
kingdom? 

CLODEL 

I am not of hers. 

HENRY 

You go, nevertheless — all women! 

CLODEL 

I can't part from you; it would break my heart. 

HENRY 

It is necessary. 

CLODEL 

Let me stay. I alone can comfort you — bear with 
you the burdens — minister to you. I beseech — 

HENRY 

You go with the rest. It's final. 

CLODEL 

Do you no longer love me? Have you — 

HENRY 

Our whole attention can't be occupied with your 
whims. 



126 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

CLODEL 

(Weeping) If not my pleading, perhaps the tears 
wrung — 

HENRY 

Stop! 

CLODEL 

It is true — true, as they said! (Bitterly) You have 
ceased to love me. I know it, I can see it! 

HENRY 

Don't play the droll, it's not becoming. The present is 
no time for dallying in the lap of pleasance. 

CLODEL 

It is that wretched letter! I know — 

HENRY 

(Quickly seizes her) What letter? Speak! To what 
letter do you refer? 

CLODEL 

From the Countess — 

HENRY 

Who told you of it ? His name ? Quickly or, by Satan's 
shadow you and your informant shall hang together. 
The name? 

CLODEL 

H-h-h — I — I — 

HENRY 

Out with it! 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 127 

CLODEL 

I saw it lying on your couch. 

HENRY 

(Relieved) And read, of course? 

CLODEL 

I am a woman. 

HENRY 

See that you have no woman's tongue. I would not be 
the laughing stock of nations. 

CLODEL 

And you'll let me stay? 

HENRY 

No! You have your orders. 

CLODEL 

(Throws arms about him) As you love me! As I love 
you! By all we have been to each other, you must, you 
shall — 

HENRY 

(Disengages her arms and throws her into seat) Cease ! I am 
tired of nonsense! (As he goes off and exits L.) Knave, did 
you hear, the wine! 

CLODEL 

(Jumps up, furious; starts after him) No (halts), what's 
the use? The clown was wise for he conferred with truth. 
(Turns and faces R.) It is the end. (Walks slowly and de- 



128 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

jectedly to R.; straightens up, throws back shoulders with 
reckless bravado, and exits R.) 

Enter raimond, C. D. and Hubert, L. 

raimond 
Salutation, your Grace. Know you aught of my sire? 

HUBERT 

Otto made no addition to our company. 

RAIMOND 

He departed and waited not for you. This much I do 
know, he has this day been in Rome. I have astounding 
intelligence. 

HUBERT 

These be strange times. Confounding happenings seem 
but pebbles making ripple on the placid surface of serenity. 

RAIMOND 

But mine, in immensity, so o'ertops that it hath no 
precedent since Lucifer flung defiance at Godhead. With 
me, and I'll relate. (Exeunt L.) 

Enter otto and Hermann, R. 

otto 
It leaves me speechless. 

HERMANN 

I do not discredit my own senses, I heard it from the 
hallway of the monastery. I feel certain your son also 
heard it. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 129 

OTTO 

Then I do not await for dispensation. Henry's act the 
blow that severs allegiance. Retribution is the dictate of 
Justice. 

HERMANN 

In the crisis, Bremen stands by Nordheim. 

OTTO 

Attend to it that in reality Henry may review your 
cohorts. 

HERMANN 

Gad, he shall, for they are close at hand. 

OTTO 

I'll to the Vatican to save, if possible — 
Enter raimond and Hubert, L. 

RAIMOND 

It would be to no purpose. 

OTTO 

Son, you here? 

RAIMOND 

In exigency and confusion, with none to consult, I fol- 
lowed what my judgment did dictate. The legions of 
Nordheim are very near this imperial lodge. I was in 
time to warn Gregory. 



130 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

OTTO 

And save him? 

RAIMOND 

I did not save him. 

otto and Hermann, simultaneously 
Dead! 

RAIMOND 

No; but my arm not his salvation. 

OTTO 

Whose the — 

RAIMOND 

Omnipotence! In the richest ripeness of Satanic proj- 
ect they were foiled with a breath. Father, let us seek 
seclusion. I would speak with you. (Goes off R. with Otto) 

HERMANN 

{Going to seat back row R.) There is wrath in wind and 
on water. (Bugle note heard without) 

HUBERT 

(Going to seat back row L.) Miracles did not cease with 
the Apostles. 

Enter C. D., trumpeters, banner-bearers, harold, 

BERTHA, MILDRED, MARY, CLODEL, FELIX, ANHALT, 
COURTIERS, BISHOPS, MONKS, SOLDIERS, etc. 

Enter L., guibert, henry and zither, followed by 
pages and RETAINERS. Henry is chid in robes of 
state and wears the green mantle of the Roman Emperor. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 131 

He ascends the throne, Guibert on his R., Zither on L. 
The latter bears a flagon of wine and goblet; from time 
to time Henry sips from it. 

HENRY 

A reception and greeting to our beloved council. (Sits) 

OMNES 

Long live the King! (They take appointed places, sitting 
or standing, leaving entrances clear) 

HENRY 

It is with feelings of sadness, but always with reverent 
submission to Divine Will, we announce the imminent 
demise of the Bishop of Rome. 

OMNES 

(Surprise) The Pope! 

HENRY 

It lives in memory, no doubt, that on the death of 
Alexander II, Hildebrand, in defiance of custom and un- 
mindful of our sacred prerogatives, secured election of 
himself and assumed office without our sanction. (Assent 
from some) Not wishing to disturb peace or endanger re- 
ligion, we did, for the time, neither give nor withold ap- 
proval. (Several voices: "'Tis so!") Jealous of the rights 
that, by ordination of the Most High, we hold in trust 
for you, and as against the possibility of still another ille- 
gal encroachment, we, in our prudence, have you convoked 
so that your wisdom may be exerted to preserve au- 



132 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

thority ; and further, with that object in view, to name one 
among you possessing the qualities of mind and body essen- 
tial to a dignified and illustrious pontificate. (One or two 
voices faintly: "Guibert! GuibertV Henry smiles in- 
gratiatingly) Give volume to your words! We wait but 
the sad intelligence — 

HERMANN 

(Rises) My liege, dare I, without reflection on your 
utterance, question the accuracy of your information? 

HENRY 

(Snappily) If you have the temerity. 

HERMANN 

If, in my desire for exactness, I blunder — 

HENRY 

You will not be recreant to your record. 

HERMANN 

Whoso imparted the intelligence to your Majesty was 
u nreliable. He — 

HENRY 

Sir! 

HERMANN 

I have voucher beyond suspicion from one who but 
recently held converse with His Holiness, who was then 
in the enjoyment of his wonted health. 

HENRY 

Have a care! 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 133 

HERMANN 

I have; on my soul, I have! Never cat more cautious 
crossing stream. 

HENRY 

A cloistered tongue — 

HERMANN 

I am not so bold as to correct you. I would but with- 
draw from currency a falsehood circulated by deception. 

HENRY 

Beware ! Thy head the stake if — 

HERMANN 

Nay, Highness, I but speak for your advantage. My 
informant is the noble Baron of Nordheim. 

HENRY 

Nordheim here? 

HERMANN 

He did forestall our coming by some hours. 

HENRY 

'Sdeath! (Seizes goblet and drains it) 

HERMANN 

Having word so reliable, I were laggard to duty if — 

HENRY 

Peace, vassal! 



134 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

HERMANN 

Ah, yes — yes — (Sits) 

Enter Godfrey and conrad, C. D., in haste and 
disheveled. Drop on knees before throne. 

Godfrey and conrad, simultaneously 
Sire! 

HENRY 

(Rises) Hildebrand is dead! 
Enter raimond, R. 

RAIMOND 

Hildebrand is not dead, on my honor as a man and 
soldier! 

OMNES 

Not dead? 

RAIMOND 

Whoso says he is, lies before Heaven! (To Godfrey and 
Conrad) Cravens, to your feet; tell of the miscarriage of 
your attempted dual crime — patricide and regicide. 

OMNES 

Crime, regicide! 

HENRY 

Up, speak! 

Godfrey and conrad, simultaneously 
We have failed. 

HENRY 

Eh? To your feet; tell of duty done! (They rise) 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 136 

GODFREY 

Everything happened as planned. We gained entrance, 
were secreted, then he (indicating Raimond) came to ex- 
pose — for^he had heard — and to thwart. 

HENRY 

By your side hung no steel for traitor's breast? 

GODFREY 

We bore upon them, intent to kill both. Suddenly the 
place was as dark as hooded night. For a moment we 
could discern nothing. Then — then — 

HENRY 

Yes, yes? 

GODFREY 

We — we saw — saw — 

HENRY 

Saw what? 

CONRAD 

What Attila saw when he faced the Great Leo at Mantua. 

GODFREY 

Angels — avenging angels with fiery swords ! It was 
terrible — terrible — (as he rushes out C. D.) terrible — 

CONRAD 

And about the form of the Pontiff was a light — a 
light not of this world. (Sinks wearily into a chair) 



136 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

HENRY 

Satan's magic ! Sorcery ! Witchcraft ! And your bow- 
els turned to water! 

RAIMOND 

The visible act of an invisible God. 

HENRY 

Ho, guards, apprehend the traitor spawn of a traitor! 
To the dungeon, to the rack, to the executioner with him ! 
(Soldiers advance and seize Raimond) 

Enter otto, R. 

OTTO 

(Level emotion) Hearken unto me! 

HENRY 

The gods are good, they send us the brood of vipers ! 

OTTO 

Henry of Franconia, the time has arrived for plain speech 
— and judgment. 

HENRY 

Your audaciousness — never mind — we will spare 
you — it would be an enormity to deprive the universe of 
its supreme mountebank. Ha, ha, ha! (Drops into seat 
laughing) By all the saints, it's good! 

OTTO 

Laugh while you may. The time is short. The hour 
glass has but a few sands in it. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 137 

HENRY 

Ho, ho, Sedecias! 

OTTO 

The prototype is immaterial ! Account for — 

HENRY 

To you? 

OTTO 

To the subjects you have outraged. 

HENRY 

Go on, go on; by my soul, this will kernel many a jestl 

OTTO 

I doubt you will be able to relish them. 

HENRY 

Do you beard us? 

OTTO 

Is there trace of halting palsy in my speech? Beard 
you? Oh, no, I am here to crush you. 

HENRY 

(Jumping up) This is majesty outraged! You and 
your brat shall perish together. Guards, all of you, rend 
them to pieces — food for raven and wolf-dog ! 

OTTO 

Set curb to your speedy design, for it will never be ex- 
ecuted. (Points to R. and directs) Pull down yon curtain ! 
(To Henry) Behold! (Turns to L. and directs) And that 
also! (To Henry) Feast your eyes! 



138 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

HENRY 

(Fearfully) Our camp surrounded by legions in martial 
array! 

OTTO 

Discern the standards? 

HENRY 

Nordheim and Bremen! 

HERMANN 

Yes, yes, more of my stupid blundering. I understood 
you were anxious to behold them. 

OTTO 

Henry, I countermand your orders. (To soldiers) 
Fall back! (They look from him to Henry and reluctantly 
retire) If there are to be shambles to proclaim this a holi- 
day, I'll provide the beeves. 

HENRY 

(Drops into seat) Your insolence is sublime. (Laughs 
sarcastically and bitterly) It is seed, however, that will 
yield rich harvest and — it will know the scythe. Suffi- 
cient! Whether Hildebrand be alive or dead, we are in- 
lent to elect another pope. 

HERMANN 

(Rises) I protest, I — 

HENRY 

Your seat! You are no longer of us. (Hermann sits) 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 139 

HUBERT 

(Rises) As one anointed of God, I raise — 

HENRY 

Silence ! 

HUBERT 

Too long have I been so guilty. You claim, with sceptre, 
sword, ring and crozier, to confer baronial and episcopal 
dignity. My liege, you cannot make gift of that which 
you do not possess. They are Heaven's — 

HENRY 

And we Its appointed servant. 

HUBERT 

So be all — serf and sovereign. To but one — 

HENRY 

Hold your peace ! 

HUBERT 

Be it so. I have made my profession. (Sits) 

HENRY 

(Rises) Let it be recorded as our official act, and let 
proclamation thereof be forthwith made, that we have 
named our loyal and faithful Guibert of Ravenna pope, 
under name of Clement III. (Guibert rises, bows and 

sits) 

OMNES 

Antipope ! Antipope ! We know him not ! 



140 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

HUBERT 

(Rises) There is but one pope, Gregory ! (Sits) 

OMNES 

Gregory! Gregory! Hildebrand is pope! 

HENRY 

Enough! His reign is of short duration. I, Henry, by 
merciful ordination of God, King and Emperor, deprive 
the betrayer Hildebrand of the office of pope, which he 
seems to possess, and command him to descend from the 
Apostolic See, the pontificate of which belongs to me by 
the grace of God and oath of the Romans! By all the 
power in me vested, I do now depose and make void — 
(Deep and solemn toll of bell) Why tolls that bell? 

DOLMINO 

(Enters C. and stands in door. He has a black mourn- 
ing scarf over his shoulders. He speaks quietly and 
gravely) For your passing, Henry! Gregory has excom- 
municated you! Your name is anathema! 

Lights out, thunder and lightning, the bell continues 
to toll at intervals to cud of scene. Lights up sufficiently 
to disclose that stage has been deserted by all Inti Henry, 
some seats upset and indications of disorder. 

HENRY 

(Kneeling on one knee down ('.. shivering and in great 
dread) Alone, betrayed, lost — all is lost! 

CURTAIN 



ACT V 



ACT V 

SCENE 1. INNER COURT OF THE CHATEAU 
OF CANOSSA. Exterior Winter scene. The chateau 
painted drop hung in 3. Castellated stone wall, 8 ft. high, 
extending from R. to L. 2; archway passage near C. 

DISCOVERED: Henry, his head and feet bare, clad in 
toga-like garment, standing, shivering and dejected, against 
wall* Snow falling and blowing in gusts on him; moaning 
wind; lights low; wind gradually dies down as lights go up; 
lights up full and wind and snow stop when dialogue com- 
mences. A guard with battle-axe on each side of archway. 
The guards do not speak, but lower their battle-axes and block 
Henry's repeated attempts to enter the archway. 

HENRY 

(To guards) Good fellows, let me pass. Why are you 
so hard-hearted? For three days and three nights — not 
greater measured by time's pendulum, but infinitely longer 
by the hideousness borrowed from imagination — have I 
beaten path round these walls, yet they within do my 
presence ignore. I am famished; I am perishing with 
cold; I die if you do not take pity on me. (Tries to pass; 
is repulsed) Caitiffs, dogs, what mean you? There, there, 
Heaven pardon me, I do forget, I am no longer a master; 
I am lower than the lowest of serfs. Once I dispensed 
favors. (Laughs) Where are those who grovelled for a 
smile, pensioners of my bounty, panderers to my desires, 
opulent by my criminal contrivance? Where? Ask last 

* See E. Swoiser's painting: HENRY IV AT CANOSSA 



144 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

Winter's snows and last Summer's suns. (Takes a turn 
across stage; back to archway; throws himself on his knees) 
Open, open to the petitions of distress and compunction. 

DOLMINO 

(Enters and stands in archway) What quarrelsome hind 
makes discord? 

HENRY 

A moral leper. 

DOLMINO 

Seek your kind in a lazaretto. 

HENRY 

" I sink fast in the mire of the deep and there is no sure 
standing." 

DOLMINO 

Slime will not support slime. 

HENRY 

"Save me, O God: for the waters have come even unto 
my soul." I am a hunted beast; remorse, exceeding 
famished wolf, gnaws my vitals. 

DOLMINO 

Hungry he is, indeed, if he can stomach such carrion 
repast. 

HENRY 

" Out of the depths I have cried to thee, O Lord : Lord 
hear my voice." 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 145 

DOLMINO 

Keep that for your destined habitation. It may be a 
slight comfort there. 

HENRY 

" I am come unto the depths of the sea and a tempest hath 
overwhelmed me." 

DOLMINO 

Bah ! Words, words — rote — and not yours. Who 
are you? 

HENRY 

Why do you ask? You know. 

DOLMINO 

Your name? 

HENRY 

Henry, Franconian king of Germany. (Rises) 

DOLMINO 

You foreswear! There is no king in Germany; for nigh 
a year the office has been vacant; we have accurate in- 
telligence of the world's affairs in Rome. (Turns and 
exits imperiously) 

HENRY 

(To guards) Treated worse than a bondsman! Did 
you see? Scoffed, avoided as if I were a black-plague, 
denied speech by servants, food by peasants, water by 
children — deserted, abandoned, forsaken by all. 

BERTHA 

(Who has entered R.) Not by all, my dear one, not by all. 



J 46 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

HENRY 

(Embracing her) No, thank God, not by you. You had 
little cause to love me — 

BERTHA 

Happier days are in store for us. 

HENRY 

Were you as perfidious as the rest, famine and fever 
had long since glutted their appetites. 

BERTHA 

We must not forget what we owe the devotion of Felix 
Mildred and Mary. 

HENRY 

Mary! the only one who did not owe me hatred. 

BERTHA 

Our debt to them can never be paid. As for me, I 
am your wife. For better or worse was the promise; as 
I had hoped for the better, I accept the worse. 

HENRY 

Through the impenetrable gloom that encompassed 
me that awful day on the Campania, but one star shone to 
guide me — but one pilot for my soul's blindness — the 
light of your sympathy and affection. 

BERTHA 

I am going to the church, that you may pray by proxy. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 147 

HENRY 

Aye, even the doors of God's house — all doors but the 
door to your heart are barred to me. 

ANHALT 

(Heard singing off R.) 

When Ferdinand went a wooing, 
Birds suspected there'd be cooing 

And a heap of trouble brewing, 
When Ferdinand went a wooing. 

(Enters R.) 'F-F-F I c-c-could o-o-only s-s-speak as 
I sing! 

HENRY 

(Kneels) Let me kiss the hem of your garment. (Does so) 

ANHALT 

A-a-animated sca-a-arecrow ! 

HENRY 

(Rises) Open your heart to pity. 

ANHALT 

D-d-d-d' ye k-k-know him? 

HENRY 

(Angry) Insolent! The stuttering lackey of a witless 
master ! 



148 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

ANHALT 

He-e-e knew en-n-nough — (Sees Bertha) Your 
M-m-majesty ! 

BERTHA 

Greeting, if it has aught of value. 

ANHALT 

M-m-my master — 

BERTHA 

The Archduke of Bremen? 

ANHALT 

— d-d-dispatched me with h-h-his r-r-respects — 

BERTHA 

We are very appreciative. 

ANHALT 

— and p-p-prays acceptance of t-t-the g-g-gifts the 
be-a-a-r-rers have without. 

BERTHA 

Tell your kind master it is beyond us to make return. 

ANHALT 

S-s-some del-1-licacies for you — that's a-a-all. 

BERTH A 

It is more — (Affected; voice catches) 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 149 



ANHALT 

Where s-s-shall we put 'e-e-em? 

BERTHA 

(Pointing off R.) In yonder tent. (He exits; she bursts 
into tears) 

HENRY 

Weep not, my dearest ! Who'd think the old — 

BERTHA 

(Emotionally) Speak not, Henry; revile him not! You 
do not comprehend. I'll to the church and deluge heaven 
with prayers that your eyes be opened — that illumination 
be vouched you. (Exits L.) 

Enter harold, R.; his jester costume is threadbare 
and torn. 

HENRY 

(Following Bertha a jew paces) Bertha! Bertha! (Sees 
Harold) Were it not for the God I have offended and the 
devil I fear, I'd consign my shame to yonder river. 

HAROLD 

A befitting climax — anticlimax for a regal burlesque. 

HENRY 

How dare — 

HAROLD 

Dare? Confirmed habits! Hard to get rid of. You 
have not put off the old man yet. 



150 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

HENRY 

To me? From you, a buffoon? 

HAROLD 

Who wouldn't allow you to carry his pack — that is, if 
he had one. 

HENRY 

Have a care, I am your sovereign! 

HAROLD 

Franconia, you lie ! 

HENRY 

Dog, mongrel, canaille — Oh, restraint, restraint! Will 
I never learn to curb my unruly temper? 

HAROLD 

No, for you have not the right disposition. Buffoon! 
Me? Be it so. And you? What chickens hatch from 
the nest you sat on? Look at me. I am one. Once I 
had fine feathers and aplenty to satisfy the most whimsical 
taste. Abundance weighted the festive board; but 
drunk, mad, delirious with the intoxication of self-esteem, 
the table was cast, kicked over, and the fruits laid 
waste — not by the official fool ! 

HENRY 

Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa! Why do you seek to 
add to my misery? 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 151 

HAROLD 

Because it sired mine. My mirth has evaporated; I 
have no wit that is not mordant, no humor that is not 
dangerous. 

HENRY 

Calamity, calamity, all my — 

HAROLD 

Yestere'en, for food, I parted with my merry-andrew 
— sold it to a usurious Jew. 

HENRY 

(Smiling weakly) Of scant amusement — 

HAROLD 

But of much profit! He'll dispose of it to some relic- 
seeker to pass to other generations as belonging to the 
jester of the fourth Henry: A monarch who inherited a 
throne refulgent with the emprise of a line of kings from 
Ludwig, but who bartered his birthright for a mess of 
pottage. Dotard, dullard, out-on-you, your peccadil- 
loes have made the bauble valuable! 

HENRY 

Say no more; spare me. At last, I think, I realize. 
Enter felix and mildred, R. 

FELIX 

Ho, ho, my philosopher and sage, I'm delighted — 



152 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

HAROLD 

To behold so much beauty? 

MILDRED 

Dear Harold, your appearance does bespeak begrudging 
fortune. 

HAROLD 

The shrewish dame is not as niggardly as she seems, 
for she has given me the wealth of your smile. 

FELIX 

When parted you from our native land? 

HAROLD 

Thirty times has the sun risen and set. Heigh-o, there 
be many changes : Godfrey dead — killed by the 
young Nordheim while battling for his own castle; Con- 
rad in a mad-house with Attila and heavenly hosts for 
comrades. It's a funny world, with its professional 
and unprofessional harlequins! 

MILDRED 

How goes the kingdom? 

HAROLD 

Dirge and tolling bell do not invite cheerfulness. 

MILDRED 

And it was once so gay. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 153 

HAROLD 

Mourning's period draws to a close, and the dwelling is 
being swept for a new tenant. 

HENRY 

(Interested) Eh, what's that? 

FELIX 

It names? 

HENRY 

(A pprehensively) Nordheim ? 

HAROLD 

Months eleven have come and gone since the Lords 
Spiritual and Temporal did name him ruler — 

HENRY 

(Vindictively) Judas! 

HAROLD 

— and he refused. 

MILDRED 

But now? 

HAROLD 

Otto made advocacy unto delay — twelve lunar 
months. Rodolph of Suabia administers. If at the end 
of the period Franconia be not reinstated, Rodolph ac- 
cepts coronation. 

HENRY 

Twelve months! This is our last day. 



154 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

MILDRED 

(As if urith thought to plead for him) I must within. 
(Exits by archway) 

HAROLD 

Adieu! I seek the pilgrim's palm branch. (Exits L.) 

HENRY 

(To Felix) Didst hear? The final day! If tomorrow 
find me unshriven . . . Once more will I beseech — 
Felix, recall the time I did entrust to you the care of 
Her Majesty to Mayence? 

FELIX 

I had hoped you had forgotten it. 

HENRY 

Had you forewarning! 

FELIX 

In all but detail. 

HENRY 

Was Godfrey false? 

FELIX 

Ah, we must say nothing of the dead but what is good! 

HENRY 

He alone was privy. 

FELIX 

Conspirators, like mummers in pantomime, should have 
no speech; nor is it well they be given to talk in sleep. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 155 

HENRY 

Did — does Bertha know? 

FELIX 

She is without suspicion. 

HENRY 

{Fervently) Thank God ! In this dreadful trial of mine, 
it is the one crime did accuse to the stunting of all others; 
and its appalling attendant was the fear — the dread — 
the persisting, reiterating question: does she know? 

FELIX 

I take my leave. 

HENRY 

Not before I speak my gratitude for what you have 
done for me. 

FELIX 

You waste words. Recall, if you can, a single instance 
when Mildred, Mary or myself ever addressed you a word 
that could be avoided. To us you were outside the pale 
— an outcast with no standing before God or man. 
When Her Majesty resolved not to abandon, to tread 
with you the wine-press of tribulation, we followed in 
the train to comfort and protect her — not you. (Exits 
by archway) 

HENRY 

(Turns to guards) Well, what think you now? Amus- 
ing, eh? Courtiers, servants, clowns deride! The Queen 
is loved and is worshiped with privation, not words. 

Enter harold, L., carrying bertha in his arms. 



156 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

HAROLD 

Out of the way ! 

HENRY 

(Frightened) The Queen! What has happened? 

HAROLD 

Swoon — found her in snow bank. 

HENRY 

What are you going to do with her? 

HAROLD 

Take her where inexorable justice may, for once in its 
life, behold the apotheosis of love. (Exits carrying her by 
archway. Henry tries to follow but is repulsed) 

HENRY 

Let me — she's my wife — Oh, let me follow. 

Enter otto, R. 

otto 
Henry ! 

HENRY 

So you too have come with smug piety to gloat over 
the fallen? 

OTTO 

I have come to attend the marriage of my son. 

HENRY 

(Bitterly) Which I postponed! That was my greatest 
blunder. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 157 

OTTO 

It was among the least of them. 

HENRY 

(Hopefully) Otto, will you intercede for me? 

OTTO 

Such was my intention, if I found you had taken to 
heart the lesson. 

HENRY 

I have; indeed, I have. Beseech Gregory to be 
merciful. Once I struck you on the face; now (kneels) 
see, on my knees, I abjectly admit my wrong and crave 
your pardon. 

OTTO 

To your feet ! I have long since forgiven it. 

HENRY 

You have influence with the Pope of surpassing efficacy. 
Use it like a dear friend. I'll remember it to your ad- 
vantage always. Oh, Otto, you do not know what it is 
to be a blasted oak in a forest of exquisite verdure, shunned 
by all, pitied by none, bending before hurricanes that 
rend and tear and threaten annihilation, shrinking from 
thunders that proclaim God and vengeance, hiding in 
caverns with thoughts more deadly than a serpent's bite, 
nights passed in listening to the jeering derision of de- 
mons — Oh, God, it will kill me — kill me! (Drops his 



158 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

head to his knees — he is in a kneeling -sitting posture; looks 
up slyly to see if he has made an impression and, finding he 
has, smiles) 

OTTO 

May He pity you. I'll use my best endeavors. (Exits 
by archway) 

HENRY 

(Rises. Sneeringly) He, he! (Soberly) He is a noble 
man and yet — God forgive me ! I can't help it — in my 
innermost heart and soul I know — pardon me Heaven, 
pardon me, I am as I was made; do not blame me too 
much — but I hate him — 

dolmino enters and stands in archway. 

Hate — hate — 

dolmino 
Who? 

HENRY 

(Startled) Ah! (Recovers) Sin, my Lord Cardinal, sin! 

DOLMINO 

Death bed repentance! 

HENRY 

(With dignity) I must see the pontiff; I want absolution 
for my sins. 

DOLMINO 

You'll find a priest down in the village. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 159 

HENRY 

I am an interdict. None but Gregory can remove the 
ban. 

DOLMINO 

So, you have been pursuing a course in theology ? What 
doctor, or doctors, do you most favor? 

HENRY 

Gregory is first the priest, and from the priest I demand 
the penitent's right. 

DOLMINO 

Oh, go — (As if to make a rude answer but thinks better of 
it. Puzzled) But, I will see. Do you abdicate your throne 
and surrender your sceptre into His Holiness' hands to dis- 
pose of as he sees fit? 

HENRY 

(After momentary hesitation) Yes, I do. 

DOLMINO 

I'll return shortly. (Exits) 

bertha comes running out archway as Dolmino retires. 

BERTHA 

(Joyously) He relents, Henry, he relents! Gregory 
relents ! 

HENRY 

(Gathers her into his arms) I care not what he does. 
Something higher, purer, nobler than Gregory has tri- 



160 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

umphed. The tempest in my heart is stilled. (Draws 
her closer) The volcanic fires of passion are dead. My eyes 
are opened. The gift I so long contemptuously rejected, 
because I was not great enough to esteem it, the ineffable 
love of a woman has won! (Passionately kissing her) 
Come what may, I have you, my own, my adored wife, 
Bertha! 



OPEN UP TO 



SCENE 2. CHATEAU OF CANOSSA. Interior. 
A room medieval in architecture and fittings. Large arch 
entrance — the only entrance used — at R. C. On an angle 
at the left upper corner is a large doorway — two heavy doors 
which, when opened, disclose a banquet hall lighted and 
with tables set. Against the left wall is an improvised throne 
for Gregory. 

To wedding music, enter raimond and mildred, fol- 
lowed immediately by Gregory. After him comes 
otto, felix, Hermann, attendants, male and female, 
lay and cleric. 

GREGORY 

(In a friendly and fatherly manner places a liand on the 
shoulders of Raimond and Mildred) I add my congratula- 
tions to the Church's blessing, and my prayers will ever 
remember you. You have suffered much and emerged 
unscathed — indeed, you are the better for it. Great al- 
titudes are reached by trial and perseverance. May your 
future be always as you now behold it through tranquil 
and hopeful eyes; and when your argosies are finally 
helmed for the enchanted shore of immortality, may the 
benediction of the Almighty be with you. 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 161 

RAIMOND 

We can, from our hearts, but thank you. 

MILDRED 

In our humble orisons you will never be forgotten. 

GREGORY 

Otherwise, give me little thought. It might disturb 
your dreams. It is said, and my critics speak sagely, that 
I am cold, heartless, pitiless — (Sighs) Ah, well, compas- 
sionate me as an old man, beaten but not broken — buf- 
feted by mighty waves that sweep up from deep spaces — 
who, with faith in Divine goodness, strives — ever — to 
achieve what's best. (To Felix, ivho is down R.) How 
fares it with you, my gay cavalier? Have you no weakness 
for the gentler sex? 

FELIX 

Nor admiration for the celibate's cloister. "You have 
not the holy indications," said Abbot Anselm. He ought 
to know for he tutored me. 

GREGORY 

Then I'll wed you to the sword. There is much to do in 
the East. You shall head a company of my crusaders. 

FELIX 

I have a nature responsive to the siren appeal of 
adventure. 

Enter dolmino. 



162 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

DOLMINO 

Your Holiness, Henry surrenders his sceptre, crown and 
sovereignity into your hands. 

GREGORY 

We have already directed that he be admitted. (He 
moves about and chats with Otto and others in a very 
human way) 

Enter bertha, comes down. Dolmino retires. 

BERTHA 

(To Felix) Where is Mary? 

FELIX 

Deserted. 

BERTHA 

What do you mean? 

FELIX 

The ceremony not quite complete — without waiting to 
kiss the bride — she stole out of a side entrance and 
started for a convent — no easy one, I ween — in which 
to inter her loveliness. 

BERTHA 

(Surprised) Is this true? 

FELIX 

What other cot so fit for a stainless dove? 

BERTHA 

Had you no persuasion to stop her? 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 163 

FELIX 

None. 

BERTHA 

Did you try? 

FELIX 

No, though she left my heart like a lonely heron 
beating up against night winds. 

HERMANN 

Egregious blunderers! Worse, far worse than I am. 

FELIX 

I to the Holy Land to give battle to the Saracen. 
Glorious! To plant a banner on the walls of Jerusalem, 
even if the fatal shaft smite you in the act ! 

GREGORY 

Never fear. There is a certain class in which Provi- 
dence has an especial benign interest. 

FELIX 

But, Holiness, I have attained the age of reason and I 
abominate the super-distillation of the grape. 

Enter harold. 

HAROLD 

If I missed the nuptials, perhaps I am not too late for 
the epithalamium? 

GREGORY 

Who is this ragimuff — uninvited guest? 



164 A MEDIEVAL HUN 

HAROLD 

A minstrel without a lyre; a troubadour without a song. 

BERTHA 

'Tis Harold our jester. He who carried me in his arms 
into your presence. 

GREGORY 

I did not then carefully observe him. Because he has 
loved much much shall be forgiven him. You are invited. 

HAROLD 

(Putting his hand on stomach) More than my heart is 
grateful for that. 

DOLMINO 

(Standing at door) The Franconian seeks admission. 

GREGORY 

Let him enter. (Goes and sits on throne) 

Enter henry. 

HENRY 

(Not cringing hut calmly resigned, goes and kneels before 
Gregory) My haughty spirit is broken — subdued. I do 
not sue, do not urge; I am in your hands; I abide your 
decision. 

GREGORY 

Peace be to you! "Blessed are they whose iniquities 
arc forgiven, and whose sins are covered." Arise. (Henry 



A MEDIEVAL HUN 165 

stands) Take back your crown and sceptre, return to your 
kingdom, be a lamp unto your people, a servant to your 
subjects, and your reign will be fragrant. 

The banquet hall doors are thrown open and a 
fvnctionary announces in a loud voice: "The banquet 
is served!" All stand and, except Henry, turn and 
face the banquet hall. 

HENRY 

{Down C.) Banquet! Ha, ha, ha! {Laughs sardoni- 
cally) Not mine; mine awaits the fulness of time and 
opportunity ! 



FINAL CURTAIN 



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Treatment Date: June 2009 

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